The “P County Move” initiative has been operational for approximately five months, targeting residents in Paterson and Clifton. A presentation highlighted the program’s success, including a 36% lower accident rate compared to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) average. The service, which covers a 10-square-mile zone with ten vehicles, three of which are wheelchair accessible, operates for 14 hours a day during the weekdays. This level of safety and accessibility has led to high user satisfaction, with an average rider rating of 4.9 out of 5.

The transit program’s impact is evident in its service to low-income residents, with 86% of riders lacking access to personal vehicles and 75% living in households with incomes below $50,000. The service plays a critical role in facilitating access to essential services such as medical appointments, jobs, and educational institutions, with 57% of users relying on it for work or school commutes.

The program’s structure includes hourly compensation for drivers, promoting safety without the rush for additional rides. Feedback has been positive, particularly for the corner-to-corner operation, where riders walk a short distance to meet the vehicles. This approach ensures efficient coverage, although there may be adjustments as winter approaches.

In addition to transportation improvements, the Board discussed the finalized Passaic County Heritage Tourism Master Plan, funded by a $75,000 New Jersey Historic Trust grant. This plan, the county’s first update since 2013, aims to boost tourism by enhancing cultural and historical offerings. With an emphasis on stakeholder engagement and market research, the plan identifies public transportation access as a current weakness but outlines strategies to overcome this challenge by 2030.

The tourism plan also recommends developing a countywide arts and cultural plan and increasing marketing efforts to attract visitors from outside the county. A grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust will support these endeavors. The plan projects an increase in visitors, estimating around 2.1 million in 2024, and highlights the potential economic impact of tourism, as the industry is valued at $45 billion annually in New Jersey, with heritage tourism accounting for $3.9 billion.

The meeting further included discussions on the county’s preparations for the 250th anniversary celebration, involving capital improvements to historical sites and thematic programming around historical milestones. Investments of around $50 million over the last decade in the park system and historic sites are expected to enhance the visitor experience and boost tourism and property values.

Additionally, the Board held a public hearing on the exterior restoration of the Passaic County Courthouse annex, funded by a $2.25 million grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust. The project aims to modernize the building while preserving its historical significance, and no public comments were presented during the hearing.

The meeting also touched on financial matters, with a recent note sale indicating the county’s strong financial health and a net interest cost of 2.56%. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of a federal government shutdown on local SNAP benefits, prompting the Board to focus on supporting food pantries to meet anticipated demand.