New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration this week announced $8.6 million in Safe Streets to Transit Program grants for fiscal year 2022 were awarded to 19 municipalities, the largest funding award in a single year for the pedestrian safety initiative.
“By significantly increasing the amount of money available to the Safe Streets to Transit Program, we are making sure people walking to transit facilities can do so safely,” Murphy said.
The Safe Streets to Transit program is one of several pedestrian safety initiatives that provide funding to local governments to improve safety and accessibility for mass transit riders walking to transit facilities. The program is funded through the State Transportation Trust Fund.
“These grants will allow 19 municipalities to improve sidewalks and provide safe and convenient crosswalks near bus and rail stations, promoting the use of public transit,” New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said.
The Safe Streets to Transit program grants traditionally total $1 million each year, but this year two additional appropriations were funded for the program.
Projects are awarded on a competitive basis taking into consideration proximity to a transit facility, safety, accessibility, project need, and the applicant’s past performance using other Local Aid funds, the NJDOT said.