Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Improvements and other Major Transportation Planning Studies
The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) contracted with the RBA Group and the National Center for Bicycling & Walking to conduct a series of half-day workshops, which were held in each county in the NJTPA region in addition to the City of Newark and Jersey City. The workshops were designed to educate and instruct advocates, residents, and professionals to identify barriers to walking and improve pedestrian safety in each of the communities.
Ocean County selected downtown Toms River, Toms River Township, as the study area, prepared materials for, and hosted the Walkable Communities workshop in October 2006. The workshop was well attended by Township planners, County planners, transportation planners, GMTMA representatives, and others. The RBA Group compiled the workshop’s findings and recommendations into a report. Subsequently, Subregional Staff used the recommendations to develop a grant application to apply to the NJTPA Local Safety Program for funding for pedestrian safety improvements in the West Water Street and Highland Parkway area.
Subregional staff worked with the NJTPA to review and revise the Strategy Evaluation Placetypes Analysis to better reflect Ocean County’s issues and characteristics. These revisions, submitted by NJTPA, were in response to analysis done by the Subregional Staff in the Engineering Department for additional places to evaluate for roadway delay improvements in Ocean County.
Other planning projects included identifying and analyzing County roadway segments for bike/pedestrian movements and improvements based on the NJ Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Final Report Phase 2.
United We Ride / Access to Transportation
As part of the FTA’s United We Ride initiative, the Director of Transportation Services served as the designated Transportation Coordinator for the Human Services Transportation Coordination planning effort, a collaborative effort between the County Planning Department, Human Services, Senior Services, Ocean County Commission for Persons with Disabilities and other County Departments and the stakeholder committee. A significant product of this effort was the development of the Interim Ocean County Human Service Transportation Coordination Plan.
This project involved significant staff resources to create the Stakeholder committee, to prepare meeting materials, minutes, planning exercises and to conduct a major survey effort of local transit providers. The survey effort was completed with assistance from the County IT Department, who prepared the survey in electronic version to ease the process. The County conducted the standardized 12 page, comprehensive survey prepared by NJ Transit. Of the 149 surveys sent, 76 surveys were returned. This data was compiled and sent to NJ Transit in accordance with their timeline. The Coordination Plan included survey results, demographic information, service gaps, service recommendations and the FTA Self-Assessment.
Another significant collaborative effort between County Departments and partner agencies, including COAST TMA, is the Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program (TANF). Subregional staff participate by providing monthly presentations on transportation services and mapping program data, including TANF clients, employers, childcare facilities, etc. with transit routes. This map was also incorporated into the Coordination Plan.
 
M.O.M
The Subregional Staff continued its long-standing efforts to advance the reestablishment of passenger rail service to Lakehurst and northern Ocean County. Subregional Staff worked with Monmouth County on hiring an independent ridership consultant, AECOM, for the MOM DEIS. The primary reason for hiring the consultant was to review and analyze preliminary ridership figures released by NJ Transit as part of the DEIS. Both Ocean and Monmouth counties felt that additional work was needed in terms of the assumptions used in the model. Following a series of meetings with NJ Transit management, there was agreement to reconfigure or rescope the MOM operating plan from diesel to a one-seat ride from Lakehurst to New York Penn Station. Because the current double-tube Hudson River tunnel is already at capacity, a one-seat ride via MOM will not be possible until the completion of the new Trans-Hudson Express (THE) Tunnel, which is scheduled for completion in 2016. By changing the MOM service plan to a one-seat ride scenario, projected ridership levels were greatly enhanced.
As a result of this effort, AECOM produced results that showed potential ridership levels on the Monmouth Junction alignment at nearly 41,000 trips per day. This task involved rigorous technical work on the part of the consultant and the two counties and was presented to NJ Transit. The new assumptions have incorporated changes such as the catchment areas, demographic data, and incorporating the ARC project. This is an on-going effort, which hopes to produce favorable results in FY2008 for the advancement of MOM as a viable project for the region.
As a result, the three counties, Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex, along with a representative of the NJTPA meet regularly as part of the MOM Working Group to review and discuss specific technical elements of the DEIS. The material is highly technical in nature, involving projections, ridership estimates, operating scenarios, parking demand, cost – operating and capital, etc. This project is viewed as a critical need for the transportation infrastructure of our region. Rail service to Ocean County is available in only 2 of 33 municipalities in the county, thereby minimizing the market capture area for new riders. Inland rail service along existing rail tracks, once the alignment of the former Blue Comet service, is needed. Future opportunity exists to continue service south from Lakehurst to Winslow Junction, thereby connecting to the Atlantic City rail line. This particular route represents the only intra-State connection between north and south Jersey.
O cean Ride
The Department of Transportation Services administers and operates a county-wide transportation program known as Ocean Ride. The system includes various service types such as fixed route bus routes, Reserve-A-Ride, a demand responsive service, veterans’ transportation to access out-of-county VA medical facilities and the DETS Program, which serves disabled adults in need of transportation to and from work. The Department also provides other specialized services such as flexible shopping routes, next day service, and limited group trips for groups and organizations serving the needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. Calendar year 2007 marks the 30th anniversary of the County’s transportation program, which began with 4 passenger cars and 4 drivers. Today, the system includes approximately 75 vehicles and drivers. During 2006, Ocean Ride provided over 423,000 passenger trips, reflecting an increase of 3% from 2005 levels.
One of the highlights of the Fiscal Year was the implementation of a new ITS-Intelligent Transportation System at the Ocean County Transportation Services Department. During the summer of 2006, staff worked closely with a consultant team to prepare a comprehensive RFP to secure both new transportation software and mobile data computers. The RFP was announced on the County’s Bid Portal and resulted in responses from several vendor teams. As a result, an inter-agency review committee convened to evaluate the responses and to hold a presentation format for the two short list providers. The Board of Chosen Freeholders authorized the award of a contract to RouteMatch of Atlanta Georgia, with Mentor serving as subcontractor for the MDC aspect of the project. By early 2007, Ocean Ride staff met with the consultant team, held weekly status meetings, conducted an evaluation or testing of the software, prior to the official launch date of June 1, 2007.
Ocean Ride conducted extensive outreach in the development of the Human Service Transportation Coordination Plan. In addition to Stakeholder committee meetings, staff attended about 10 county – based advisory committee meetings to make members aware of the process and to ask for their input. On June 21st, the County held a public hearing on the annual grant application and the Coordination Plan. Several attendees praised current services but stressed the need for expanded service, through extended hours and venues. With finite funding, this request is difficult to address. Ocean County receives continued support from the Board of Chosen Freeholders who typically provides approximately 51% of our budget. This includes capital funds to assure regular investment in the transit fleet.
Ocean Ride has also continued its efforts to provide bus service for welfare recipients and lower income residents through the JARC program. The Toms River Connection fixed route service is one of the top three successful JARC (Jobs Access Reverse Commute) funded projects currently in operation within the State of New Jersey. In collaboration with NJ Transit, a new bus stop was installed in Seaside Heights for the Toms River Connection. The bus stop was originally located on Route 35 South, a short distance from the ramp leading onto Route 37 West towards Toms River. From the initial days of the route’s inception, residents using the service have come to gather at that location. Over the years, this location has become rather dangerous for the passengers to access during the winter conditions and during the summer season due to the high traffic volume. Subregional Staff worked with all participating agencies, to support a legal bus stop along the fixed route and was able to get the bus stop in place.
Another achievement of Subregional Staff through the JARC program is the Pilot Program for the use of a pre-paid bus pass for Medicaid clients to use the Toms River Connection bus route. Subregional Staff worked with Ocean County Board of Social Services to develop a program that will be beneficial to clients in promoting their self-sufficiency and also expanding the amount opportunities available to them through the use of transit. Under the Pilot Program, the Board of Social Services purchases the monthly bus pass from Ocean Ride and in turn provides them to those clients who they have deemed eligible, including single mothers with children, disabled adults, and low-income Medicare clients. The program began March 1, 2006 and continues to operate. When public transportation is available for the travel needs, the bus pass provides an economical method to provide service.
In additional to pursing other funding opportunities, Subregional staff prepares an annual grant application for submission to NJ Transit to obtain funding from the Senior Citizen Disabled Resident Transportation (SCDRT) Program.
In December 2005, Subregional Staff prepared a resolution authorizing the Greater Mercer TMA to provide TMA services in Ocean County under COAST TMA. The TMA is currently updating their website and promoting greater outreach to Ocean County residents for use of their services such as Rideshare – a program dedicated to finding carpools or vanpools for residents. This past fiscal year, COAST has been involved in reaching out to large employers with transit information, assisting with a new marketing campaign to increase ridership on the Brick Link bus route, prepare Ridefinders newsletters which highlight Ocean County activities and to participate in the planning process for the human service transportation coordination plan.
The staff also worked with the County's Transportation Task Force to address the growing demand for specialized transportation service for dialysis patients. The County staff continues efforts to meet the increased demand for dialysis transportation which requires high frequency, long-term service. A private contractor has been hired to supplement the in-house Ocean Ride resources. In 2006, Ocean Ride provided over 54,000 dialysis trips reflecting an 11.5% increase from 2005. As part of the Senior Services network, Ocean Ride attended a recent Cultural Sensitivity Training session, designed to inform providers about the do’s and don’ts for sharing your agency’s service information. This session was conducted by the County’s Multicultural Senior Task Force which can be contacted as a resource in reaching out to key minority groups.
R ail to Trail
An ongoing project that the Planning staff has been working on is the Barnegat Branch Rail Trail Bikeway. This past month, the staff, along with consultant, Andy Strauss, made its final revisions to the conceptual plan for the trail. The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved and adopted the Conceptual Plan for the Barnegat Branch Trail, which serves to guide the design and management of the bikeway.
Construction of Phase I of the trail, spanning approximately 2 miles from West Bay Avenue to Barnegat Boulevard Extension in Barnegat Township, was authorized by the County of Ocean Board of Chosen Freeholders and is scheduled to begin this year.
In early 2007, additionally, the County entered into an agreement with a local developer for the construction of the adjacent segment of the trail, spanning approximately 4,080 feet from Barnegat Boulevard to Pancoast Road in Ocean Township. All construction work by the County and the developer for these two trail segments is scheduled for completion by October 2007.
Also, in June 2007, the County applied for a grant in the amount of $181,400.00 to the NJ Department of Transportation - Local Bikeway Program. The grant is for Phase II of the trail, which will span approximately 2,590 feet from Pancoast Road to Country Lane in Ocean Township. In November 2006, the County acquired the 1.65-acre McDaniel property on Country Lane, which will be the future site of a regional trailhead. The construction of this Phase II segment will be important to ensure that the northern limit of this section ends at a trailhead with adequate parking and public access. The receipt of the grant with enable the County to immediately begin construction on Phase II and have that section ready for use by Spring 2008.
Planning is beginning on the next phase of the trail to the Lacey Township border. However, a majority of this segment has various design issues in that it parallels Route 9 for approximately 6,680 feet.
This project is an item in the NJTPA Regional Transportation Plan and the Statewide Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan. NJTPA staff has been taken on a tour of the length of the project.
GIS
GIS remains a major focus of activities with the Ocean County Planning staff. Victoria Pecchioli operates and maintains the County’s MapInfo GIS, while several other staff members operate and maintain an ArcView GIS. Most of the transportation related mapping projects are handled through MapInfo while the environmental issues are addressed with ArcView.
During the past fiscal year many mapping projects were completed. A number of map projects supported the development of the Interim Ocean County Human Service Transportation Coordination Plan, including a map depicting TANF clients, employers, childcare facilities, etc., over a base map of transit routes in the County, a composite map to analyze HUD CDBG Designated Target Neighborhoods (DTN’s) in relation to transportation services and a number of thematic map figures that were included in the Coordination Plan.
Subregional staff also fulfilled several requests for MapInfo location, thematic, and analysis maps for various County agencies and for inclusion in the annual Ocean County Data Book. The County also supplies mapping for the Central Jersey Rail Coalition on request. As always, any maps generated by the County are made available to Central Staff upon request.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
P ublic participation continues to be an important part of the County’s transportation program. Throughout the fiscal year the County continued to participate in the activities of a variety of organizations including the R-TAC, the NJTPA, OC Transportation Advisory Board, OC Senior and Disabled TAC, the NJ Transit Advisory Committee, the Central Jersey Rail Coalition, RTAP, North Jersey Transit Advisory Committee and the County Planners Association. The primary forum for public participation is through the Ocean County Transportation Advisory Board (TAB). Subregional staff serves as technical support for this advisory board, which meets on the first Monday of each month. Subregional staff from the Planning Department has also participated in many public meetings such the Traffic Safety Division’s Committees to inform the public of the County’s ongoing efforts in Transportation.
The Engineering Department continues to conduct public information meetings as needed to provide an opportunity for citizen input into planned County road and bridge improvements. The meetings are patterned on the DOT's information centers, which are held in late afternoon/early evening to give working residents the chance to attend. A number of these information Centers were held during the past year.
REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Regional Transportation Plan is titled “Access and Mobility 2030” and Ocean County is working towards that goal for 2030. With a growing number of residents, we are trying to proactively plan for the future by meshing transportation planning and land use. Many of our towns are participating in the Plan Endorsement process and are applying these principles of Smart Growth in their own planning.
Many of the projects outlined above are of regional significance. The County’s transportation related GIS efforts continue to set an example for other Counties. The County’s bike trail efforts, when complete, will be one of the largest in the state providing recreational and alternate transportation options for both residents and the millions of tourists that visit Ocean County. In the same context, the County’s numerous road and bridge projects, such as the completion of the Toms River Bridge, have improved access to the Jersey Shore - the fastest growing area of the State. The results of development on Route 9 in Ocean County will ultimately affect those municipalities along Route 9 and surrounding areas such as Monmouth County. The County continues to be cognizant of that in its planning efforts and in relaying that to its municipalities.
The management of this continued growth remains a major focus of the County’s Subregional Transportation Program.
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