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Gas Prices Got You Down? Try Vanpooling!

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If you’ve ever considered vanpooling, now is the time! In Jauary 2026, NJ Transit’s Vanpool Sponsorship Program increased from $175 to $400 per month for all eligible vanpools. Space in the program is limited so don’t miss your chance to save big!*

Why Vanpool?

Vanpooling provides a host of benefits for commuters and employers alike. (Numbers below are based on a 2023 report from Commute with Enterprise).

Save Money

· Between gas, maintenance, repairs, and insurance – Commuting alone can be expensive. In 2024, the average vanpool participant with Enterprise saved $10,000 (Commute with Enterprise). Enter your specific commute details and see how much you can save with the Commute with Enterprise calculator.

Less Stress, More Time

· Let’s face it – Driving can be stressful! Share the burden and allow yourself more time to read, get some work done, or just relax!

Sustainability

· Sharing your commute means less traffic on our roads and less harmful emissions in our air! Companies vanpooling with Enterprise eliminate 1.2 billion commuter miles and reduce emissions equal to 492,000 acres of US forest annually.

Employers: Attract Talent and Retain Employees

· Quality of commute is a critical element for employee satisfaction! Vanpooling can help you a retain happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.

Ready to Give Vanpooling a Try?

Keep Middlesex Moving can help you through the process! Here’s how it works:

  1. Vanpools consist of 4-15 individuals who regularly commute to work.
  2. Vehicles are available via NJ Transit approved third-party provider, Enterprise. Since leases are only on a month-to-month basis, commitment is minimal.
  3. Third-party vendors cover all maintenance and repairs. Van rental and gas are your only costs!
  4. KMM will support new vanpools with a $125 empty seat subsidy for the first three months. If one of your vanpool commuters can no longer vanpool with your group, KMM can offer a $125 “Empty Seat” subsidy to eligible vanpools. Additionally, KMM’s “Emergency Ride Home” program reimburses up to $50 per trip, up to three times per year, when you unexpectedly can’t take your regularly scheduled vanpool home.
  5. Driving responsibilities and cost sharing arrangements are decided by each vanpool group independently.
  6. Keep Middlesex Moving will assist you in applying for the NJ Transit Vanpool Sponsorship program, as well as establishing your vanpool’s operating procedures.

With the NJ Transit Vanpool Sponsorship now more than double in value, there has never been a better time to start a vanpool. The staff at Keep Middlesex Moving is here to walk you through the application process and support you every step of the way! If you work in Middlesex County and are ready for a smarter commute, contact Connor Wallace, cwallace at kmm.org or (732) 745-4465 ext. 106, to learn more!

Learn more about Commute with Enterprise here

*Disclaimer – This new NJ TRANSIT sponsorship will cover all 68 current vanpools and to 83 vanpools on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are You Ready for the 2026 World Cup?

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In about two weeks, millions of visitors will be heading to World Cup games in Philadelphia and New Jersey. The games are expected to generate significant traffic congestion and delays during matches in June and July. Matches will take place in East Rutherford (NYNJ Stadium) and Philadelphia (Philadelphia Field) from June 11 through July 19. In addition, “Fan Festivals” will be hosted in Harrison (at Sports Illustrated Stadium) and Philadelphia (at Lemon Hill).

Here in Middlesex County, New Brunswick will host the Senegal National Team at Rutgers University. To help reduce congestion as much as possible and avoid getting stuck in traffic, NJDOT is strongly encouraging area companies and employees to:

  • Work remotely when possible.
  • Adjust work start and end times.
  • Stagger shifts to avoid travel between 5 hours before and after kickoff.
  • Refrain from scheduling in-person meetings on match days unless necessary.
  • Carpool or vanpool by registering at www.njrideshare.com.
  • Check for travel alerts at 511nj.org.

You can find more information on match locations, dates, and times, at the links below:

Information on Fan Festivals can be found below:

Follow these tips to make your commute easier during the World Cup:

  • Skip it: Can it be done virtually? Skip the commute.
  • Shift it: Encourage off-peak travel. Shift to flexible hours or a compressed work week.
  • Switch it: Help ease congestion. Switch to remote work during scheduled games.
  • Share it: Carpool or vanpool to work. Visit www.njrideshare.com to find a carpool partner near you.

 

NJ TRANSIT has also created a website dedicated to assisting commuters, visitors, and residents navigate through the region during the world games. You can learn more by visiting www.njtworldcup.com.

Keep Middlesex Moving is your transportation resource in Middlesex County. Our team is here to assist commuters and organizations facilitate carpool, vanpool, and work from home programs for the world’s games. For assistance, contact us today at programs at kmm.org.

 

Grab your sneakers ~ And Walk!

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Grab your sneakers and take a walk…on National Walking Day.  According to the American Heart Association, the event is celebrated on April 1st, but some sources say it’s celebrated on the first Wednesday in April.  We at KMM think regardless of what day it falls on, everyone should walk!

By committing to walking at least 30 minutes, you can get healthier and raise awareness about the importance of physical activity. On this day, millions of people throughout the United States will come together to take steps to live a healthier life for themselves, their families and their communities. You can celebrate the day in the workplace, at schools, in neighborhood walking groups and clubs and communities. 

Here are 3 tips on how to participate in National Walking Day, today and really, all year long.

Form a walking group with your neighbors.  Commit to meeting 3-5 times a week and walk different routes in your neighborhood.  Not only are you getting exercise, but you are engaging within the community.

Plan a walking meeting.  Sometimes the best ideas come when you are exercising.  Instead of sitting around the table, have a staff meeting walking at lunch with your coworkers.  While it’s a more informal type of meeting, it could produce some unique ideas.

Create a walking challenge.    Whether with your neighbors, co-workers or people in your community, create a challenge to see who can walk the most steps in one month.  Determine a monetary amount to join and split the total money collected between the winner and a local charity or cause in your group’s name.  With so many apps and devices, you can track each other’s progress.

So lace up those sneakers and get out there and walk for your community and for your health.   Oh and remember to:

wear bright clothing

obey the rules of the road

…and most importantly, don’t text and walk.

 

Tune in to Mobility Matters

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We are thrilled to share that KMM will be launching a radio show /podcast – Mobility Matters – on WCTC 1450 AM radio beginning in April 2019. Tune in on Wednesdays at 10 am. Join us as we talk to leading experts in the fields of transportation, sustainability, and economic development.

Love your Commute

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Commuting can be one of those items that fall way down on the list of things you love to do.  And you are not alone.  The average travel time for working New Jerseyans is 31.2 minutes, which is almost seven minutes longer than the average US commute.  So what can we do to make your commute better?

Commute Smarter.  Sounds silly, right edlekarna.cz?   Before you click away, let us explain.

Our staff can help you find a commute that not only maximizes your time spent commuting but also do so in a way that is sustainable for both your wallet and the environment.  We manage a host of databases that can match you with a carpool or vanpool partner.  We can connect you with transit-friendly solutions and provide you with tools that make biking to work an option if that is something you think you would like.  We even have a free NJ Traffic app you can download and customize to your commute! And if all options are not available for you, we can recommend the best podcasts or apps to accompany you on your commute.

Don’t spend one more moment dreading your commute.  Let us help you love your commute.   Reach out to us.

We’d be happy to help!

Importance of Your Seat Belt

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Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among those aged 1-55 in the U.S and it’s a growing issue all over the world. It is one of the top causes of severe injuries, which can lead to hospitalization and other serious consequences. Most of these injuries and fatalities can be prevented by simply wearing your seat belt.

You are more than likely already familiar with the fact that wearing a seat belt can save your life. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seat belts reduce the risk of death in vehicle accidents by around 50%. This being the most important reason you should always have a seat belt buckled around you.

There are plenty of other reasons why you should always wear a seat belt when it comes to your safety. Some other reasons include:

  1. It’s the law. If you are caught not wearing your seat belt, you could find yourself facing expensive fines, points on your license and other consequences.
  2. Air bags. Air bags become more effective if the person is wearing his or her seat belt. Not wearing your seat belt allows your body to move and shift out of the proper position in which an airbag can protect you during a collision.
  3. Seat belts are best known for protection. They protect and prevent you from being thrown from the vehicle, from hitting the windshield and keeping your body in place.

Seat belt use is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries during motor vehicle crashes. Yet millions of people do not buckle up on every trip. It’s important to remember that your actions don’t just affect you, but others driving too. Any time you are on the road, make safe decisions and make wearing your seat belt a priority!

Subway System – 25 Years in the Making

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Recently, I visited my Mother in Isfahan, Iran.  Isfahan, my hometown, is a metropolitan city in the center of Iran with a regional population of 3.5 million.

The day before I was scheduled to return to the US, I decided to walk downtown and observe the changes that had occurred since I immigrated to the West 22 years ago.  I really wanted to check out the city’s subway system.

From 1982-1992, I was the Deputy Director of the State Transportation Department and Chairman of the Board of Isfahan Traffic Organization.  I was part of the team that worked on the feasibility study for the subway system.

It started with a group of volunteer professionals, including myself, willing to devote our personal time to the dream of a modern transportation system in our town.  We compiled data which documented the urgent need for a subway to supplement the existing but inadequate public transit system, the limited capacity of city streets, and increasing traffic congestion.  With enthusiastic community support, we believed it could happen.  In fact, the National Traffic Council and the Congress supported the project and allocated funding for its construction.

But then, the geopolitical landscape changed.  There was no money to move forward.

I had heard that the subway had finally been completed and opened in October 2015.  The subway system stretches along 7.5 miles of track with 10 stations.  Currently, there is a plan to add about 25 miles and 3 more lines.  Now, I was ready to see it for myself.

The train was on time, and the ride was so quiet and comfortable. The stations look clean and pleasant with beautiful designs of cultural artworks, escalators running to and from the street, good signage and guide maps, and other amenities for riders.  With a feeling of great accomplishment and a little pride, I bought a ticket and took a ride on the subway I never thought would be constructed.

As I rode, I thought of my colleagues, our work, our vision, and our determination all those years ago.  And, I remembered an old saying “Every Accomplishment Starts with the Decision to Try.”

 

Written by Morteza Ansari, KMM Transportation Planner

A B C – Bicycle Safety Check List

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Bicycle riding is fun, healthy, and a great way to get some fresh air. Before riding, you should always inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.

A great way to do this is by following our A B C – Bicycle Safety Checklist:

  • Air- Always check the air pressure in your bicycle tires before you start riding. Pushing down with your hands on each tire lets you not only see, but also feel how much air there is and if any air needs to be added.
  • Brakes- Making sure your bicycles brakes work is essential for riding. You can simply check them by pulling the brake handles in and looking to see that your bike does not move when the handles are locked in.
  • Chains- The chains on your bicycle do more than you may think. The chain and cranks need to properly sit on your bike, move smoothly and have no rust. This will ensure that the chain works correctly and that all functions of the bike are possible.

The last thing you need to check before riding isn’t on your bicycle; it’s actually on your head! Wearing a properly fitted helmet not only protects your brain but can save your life. A properly fitted helmet should have no gaps between your temples and brow pads; the chinstrap should be snug and it should only allow one finger to be able to fit under the strap.

Before each bike ride, be sure to follow the A B C – Bicycle Safety Checklist and ride safe and ride worry free!

Call When You Can …Text When You Can’t

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On February 16, 1968, State Senator Rankin Fite phoned the police chief in Haleyville, Alabama. hq720 Though the men had spoken before, this call was different.  It was the first time 9-1-1, the new nationwide emergency number was used.  Eleven years earlier, the National Association of Fire Chiefs proposed the designation of an emergency call number which was unique, easy to remember, and easy to dial.

Today, 9-1-1 is the universal emergency number in the US, Canada, parts of Mexico, the Philippines, and beyond.  Other countries may use a different emergency number sequence.  When travelling abroad, learn the universal emergency number for the area you are visiting.

The National Emergency Number Association estimates that 240 million 9-1-1 calls are made annually in the US.  And, 70% of those are made on wireless devices.  To make it easier for wireless callers to access 9-1-1, NJ introduced Text to 9-1-1 last fall.  The ability to text is helpful to those unable to talk in an emergency and to those with hearing impairments or speech disorders.

How to send a 9-1-1 text

  • Open the message app on or phone or wireless device
  • In the “To” field, type “911” with no punctuation
  • In the message field, type the location (address and municipality) and a brief description of the problem (ex. 123 Main St Franklin I hear someone breaking in)
  • Press “Send”
  • Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.  Keep text messages brief and concise.

 

When to text 9-1-1

If you have a speech or hearing impairment, notify 9-1-1 so they can inform responders

If speaking may cause you harm such as a break-in or domestic violence.  REMEMBER OT SILENCE YOUR PHONE SO THE SOUND OF THE 9-1-1 REPLY DOESN’T GIVE YOU AWAY.

If you are with a group and some members are doing something dangerous or illegal

If lack of service makes a voice call impossible, you may be able to get data service to send a text

DO NOT attempt to send videos or photos.  Limit your message to TEXT ONLY. Be as specific as possible about your location.  Provide as much of the following as possible:

  •                 Exact address including unit/apartment number and city
  •                 Business name
  •                 Names of both streets at the nearest intersection
  •                 Landmarks

Once you have begun texting, do no end the session until then 9-1-1 operator instructs you to do so.  Text to 9-1-1 cannot include more than 1 person. Do not copy your emergency to anyone other than

9-1-1. Wait until you are safe to notify others.  Translation services for text to 9-1-1 are not available.  Text in English only.

 

Winter is Here!

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Car tires on winter road covered with snow

The winter is upon us and sooner or later, New Jersey will see itself covered in a freezing blanket of billowy snow. But as New Jersians, life doesn’t stop just because of a few flakes (or feet) of the white stuff. Getting your car “winter ready” before the first snow will ensure you’re ready to face the road ahead. Ensure vehicle fluids are changed, tires are checked or replaced, and ensure all exterior lights are in proper working order. Then follow these driving tips if you need to travel in the cold and snow:

  • Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Most vehicles keep the tire pressure information on the driver side door panel.
  • Check and replace (if necessary) windshield wipers.
  • Top off wiper fluid.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full.
  • Do not use cruise control in wet, wintery, icy weather.
  • Avoid hard breaking in wet weather as this can make your vehicle spin out of control.
  • Look and steer in the direction you want to go.
  • The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds.
  • Keep non-clumping kitty litter or wood chips in the trunk of your vehicle. This will help your tires gain traction if you become stuck in snow.
  • When traveling long distances, make sure to keep a blanket, flash light, water, and snacks in your vehicle in case you become stranded.
  • When in doubt, stay home. If driving conditions make it extremely difficult to travel, please do not attempt to go out.

For more information on winter driving visit AAA.