Murphy touts public transportation, transit village investments

During a Monday morning event in Dover, Gov. Phil Murphy highlighted more than $24 million in funding from the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget to expand access to transportation and spur transit-oriented development across the state.

The funding detailed Dec. 12 goes toward three programs:

• Safe Streets to Transit – providing $13.4 million to 29 municipalities to improve access to transit facilities and public transportation in counties and municipalities;
• Local Bikeway – providing $8.4 million to 17 counties and municipalities to promote bicycling as an alternative mode to transportation;
• Transit Village – providing $2.9 million to 10 municipalities toward the revitalization and redevelopment of areas around transit facilities into mixed-use neighborhoods.

Murphy says that for many residents, commutes or daily travels do not begin and end at the train station.

“In order to maximize the impact of our considerable public transportation upgrades, we must ensure that our transit facilities are linked not just to economically thriving neighborhoods, but to streets that bring our community members to their destination reliably and efficiently,” the governor said. “That’s why my administration is doubling down on its efforts to promote active transportation alternatives and ensure that – whether you’re a pedestrian or cyclist – you can safely and affordably access our nation-leading public transportation network.”

“Too many New Jerseyans do not have safe walking or biking access to our transit systems, often limiting access to job and educational opportunities and increasing traffic congestion,” said U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th District.

New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti added that the increased funding means a record number of towns will receive grants to create safer, more walkable and bikeable communities while promoting the use of public transportation.