A new New Jersey State Policy Lab blog by Hannah Younes, Leigh Ann von Hagen, Greg Woltman, and Analise Draghi explores how Rapid Response programs can help improve roadway safety following fatal and serious-injury crashes.
Blog
A New Guide Shaping the Future of Virtual Public Involvement in Transportation
After more than three years of research, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program has released Report 1178, Improving Virtual Public Involvement in Transportation Agencies, the first comprehensive U.S. guide focused on virtual public engagement in transportation planning and projects.
Pedestrian Safety Education and Enforcement (PSEE) Trainings open to NJ traffic safety officers
Traffic safety officers are invited to register for a free training on Pedestrian Safety Education & Enforcement (PSEE) this summer.
3 crossing guards killed in 3 years. How a nice job for retirees became frighteningly dangerous.
The death of a New Jersey crossing guard underscores the growing dangers they face from speeding and distracted drivers, highlighting broader concerns about traffic safety, accountability, and the need for systemic changes to protect those safeguarding children.
Do drivers hate bicyclists? US sees an alarming rash of crashes.
USA TODAY featured insights from VTC’s Leigh Ann Von Hagen and Hannah Younes on road rage involving people on bikes. Von Hagen noted these incidents are rarely recorded—making trends unclear—and may reflect streets designed for speed, not safety. Younes highlighted research showing data gaps that limit understanding of these conflicts.
2026 Mortensen-Voorhees Award Recipient Robert “Bobby” Johnson
2026 Mortensen-Voorhees Award recipient Robert “Bobby” Johnson will join the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as a Leadership Fellow following his graduation from the Bloustein School.
VTC Blog Roundup!
Check out some of the recent work from our VTC project teams!
Empowering Mobility: The NJTIP Passaic STEP Paterson Success Story
The NJTIP Passaic STEP (Senior Transportation and Engagement Program) continues to empower local older adults. We recently partnered with Paterson’s Riverside Vets Recreation Center to help residents build the skills and confidence to travel independently.
Crash Data-Access, Analysis & Application
This SAFE Network webinar introduces the AASHTOWARE crash data platform and other key data sources, with a focus on accessing, analyzing, and applying crash data to support safer streets planning.
Sammy the Squirrel Goes to NJ TransAction
Attending NJ TransAction from a squirrels point of view. Read about Sammy the squirrels great experience!
Recent Publications
From Challenge to Resilience: The Evolution of NJ TRANSIT Funding and a Roadmap to a Reliable Future
Since its creation in 1979, NJ TRANSIT has grown into the geographically largest public transit system in the United States. Over more than four decades, the agency’s financial structure has shifted in response to changing state and federal priorities—shaping service...
Public Transit User Experiences and Feelings of Safety among Marginalized Genders
Harassment, discrimination, and violence are major concerns for women and sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) who ride public transit. However, these experiences often go underreported, and agencies may not be aware of the extent of harassment within their services....
Crash Data Availability and Best Practices Across the U.S.: Lessons for New Jersey
Objective While fatal crashes are available through the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and are readily available to the public, many states do not make their crash data easily accessible for the public and the research community. The public has an interest...
Understanding How Marginalized Genders Travel Using NJ TRANSIT
Through this research, NJ TRANSIT sought to understand how women and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus community, sometimes referred to as sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) travel on NJ TRANSIT so the agency can provide better...