Morris Leader

Morris County is collaborating with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) to develop a long-term transportation plan named Connecting Communities. This initiative seeks public input on priorities and projects that will shape transportation investments and policies for the next 25 years.

“The NJTPA has been a critical partner in advancing key transportation initiatives throughout Morris County,” stated Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw, Secretary of the NJTPA Board of Trustees. He emphasized the importance of public feedback to ensure the plan meets future regional needs.

The NJTPA manages transportation planning for 13 counties in northern and central New Jersey, where the population is expected to increase from over 7 million residents to 7.8 million by 2050. To secure federal funding, the NJTPA must adopt a long-range transportation plan every four years.

Public participation is crucial for Connecting Communities. The NJTPA will incorporate feedback gathered through an online survey and events into the plan, which is slated for adoption by September. Residents within the NJTPA region are encouraged to contribute their perspectives.

The survey, available in six languages including English and Spanish, was launched today. Virtual outreach will start later this month with a Let’s Talk Transportation event on January 28 at 11:30 a.m., focusing on safe biking and walking networks.

Residents can express their ideas about future transportation in northern and central New Jersey by completing the NJTPA's brief survey or signing up for virtual events at njtpa.org/connecting. Additionally, pop-up outreach events will occur throughout the region this spring.

Through collaboration with local governments and state agencies, the NJTPA administers over $3 billion annually in transportation investments.

The NJTPA serves as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for 13 northern New Jersey counties. It provides a platform for local officials, public transport providers, and state agency representatives to collaboratively address current and future transportation needs. The board includes elected officials from each county in the region as well as representatives from Newark, Jersey City, and various state agencies.