Investing in the Future
2024 STATE OF THE COUNTY
TRANSPORTATION IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Earlier this year, as part of its holistic approach to transportation infrastructure, the County launched Middlesex County Ride on Demand, an app-based public transit service that provides safe, convenient, reliable transportation. Currently a pilot program in the County seat of New Brunswick, RIDE On Demand not only gets people directly to and from locations such as their home, the grocery store, medical appointments, work, and other destinations, it also serves as a first/last mile solution. First/last mile refers to the first and last mile of a person’s commute, where fixed public transit services like buses or trains may not be available, or there are no safe or accessible walking paths. For $3 per rider, RIDE On Demand is also an affordable solution for anyone facing mobility issues. RIDE On Demand is just one of several strategic investments the County is making in transportation infrastructure designed to help ensure everyone who lives, works or plays in Middlesex County can thrive here. According to Khalid Anjum, head of the County Department of Transportation, the scope of the department’s mission is much broader than people may realize. “It’s larger than just providing traffic signals and highways and efficient networks – all those are important and we’re doing that,” says Anjum. “But we’re also finding alternate ways we can provide people the means to move from point A to point B.” At every turn, the County is identifying, developing, and implementing new solutions to address transportation challenges ― all with the goal of ensuring transportation is safe, convenient, reliable, and future-forward. From a parking lot in North Brunswick, a small fleet of white vehicles wrapped in green and white logos is beginning to address the transit gaps in Middlesex County.
Optimism, confidence, resilience, and strength emanated from the annual Middlesex County State of the County address delivered by County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios on April 23. Throughout his address, Rios emphasized that Middlesex County’s ability to provide vital programs and services to residents ― and make critical investments in transportation infrastructure, education infrastructure, and behavioral health ― is all possible due to the County’s fiscal strength. “I am proud to announce that for the 23rd consecutive year, Middlesex County has received a AAA bond rating from S&P and Moody’s ― two of the world’s foremost credit rating agencies,” said Rios. “Everything we do begins with the County’s continued financial stability and sound decision- making, which sets the framework, from a budgetary perspective, to support critical programs for our families and communities.” Transportation The renaissance taking place with the County’s Department of Transportation with investments making significant headway like the New Brunswick Train Station and North Brunswick Train Station, nearing 50% completion in design, was applauded. Additionally, under the leadership of the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, several parking facilities including the North Brunswick Train Station, Carteret Parking facility, and the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center are moving forward swiftly. Rios also shared the news of RIDE On Demand, a one-year pilot program of an app-based public transit service unveiled in late February to help address transit gaps in the County. Read more about Middlesex County’s investment in transportation on page 5.
County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios
Education In his address, Rios underscored the Board of County Commissioners’ belief that education infrastructure is the cornerstone for sustained economic success. Middlesex County supports lifelong learning opportunities, beginning with the Middlesex County Magnet Schools and Middlesex College, where programs like the RWJBarnabas Health Workforce Partnership foster young talent. Also stoking excitement was news on the Community, Innovation, and Opportunity Strategic Investment Plan, which reimagines Middlesex College into a regional destination for academics, athletics, the arts, and entertainment through the addition of a new student center, magnet school, and multi-purpose community venue. Behavioral Health Behavioral health also took center stage, as Rios shared that the County launched Behavioral Health Navigators in late 2023 as part of an effort to provide more resources to help residents cope with challenges. Anyone in need of assistance was encouraged to visit middlesexcountynj.gov/support for help.
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4 Your Middlesex | 2024 Issue 2
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