Transportation is one of the largest sources of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the state. Over the past few years, Isles has worked on an EV pilot called GOTrenton! that will help to provide affordable and reliable EV transportation to residents in order to improve mobility and increase access to jobs, healthcare, and new opportunities. This EV Pilot will work to address public health challenges by reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.
More About GOTrenton!
The Challenge
“Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal.”
– Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere and causing it to warm. As a coastal state, New Jersey is especially at risk for impacts from climate change, such as sea-level rise and more frequent and intense storms. Climate change remains one of the greatest threats to our future and human health. See the connections between climate change and human health from the EPA website.
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In the coming years and decades, climate change will disrupt economic growth, public health, and ecosystems, according to the Fourth National Climate Assessment. The Assessment emphasized the disproportionate impacts of climate change on low-income communities, communities of color and other vulnerable populations unprepared to cope with these disruptions.
At the same time, a common thread through our work in Trenton has been the absence of mobility for those we serve. For example, as we provide green job and other types of training for future-focused career opportunities, trainees face the barrier of gaining access to plentiful jobs that exist just a few miles away.
According to the US Census, 30% of households in the city are reported to be car-free and 21% of residents have reported carpooling as their main mode of travel to work. The lack of affordable and reliable transportation prevents Trentonians from having access to essential resources, jobs, and new opportunities.
Additionally, the City of Trenton experiences an average of 100 days per year of moderate or unhealthy air quality days per year and is likely linked to increased respiratory disease among residents (Climate Action Plan for the City of Trenton, 2010). Asthma rates for Trenton children are 4 times the rate for kids in the rest of the Mercer County. Trenton is disproportionately impacted by air pollution and poor environmental conditions. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation account for 42 percent of total New Jersey greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor.
The Solution: GOTrenton!
GOTrenton! is a collaborative, electric mobility solution that will improve resident access to jobs, healthcare, food shopping, social services and new opportunities for everyone who lives, works, and plays in Trenton. In addition to expanding low-cost transportation options for low-income communities, the program will work to reduce the disproportionate asthma rates and healthcare costs by reducing dependence on private-vehicle ownership and lowering greenhouse gases and air pollution. GOTrenton! will be one of the first subsidized carshare and rideshare efforts in the country to serve low-income and environmental justice communities.
GOTrenton! will launch in summer 2023 with a shuttle service operated solely with electric vehicles. Riders can use a simple app to hail a shuttle to take them to work, shopping, and other locations for just $2 per ride! Additionally, GOTrenton! will launch a workforce van to connect residents to good jobs.
In partnership with the City of Trenton, GOTrenton! will install 20 public charging stations throughout Trenton, available to the public 24/7/365 with affordable rates for residents to use.
Foster self-reliant families and healthy sustainable communities