Ali Aljarrah Releases Transit Policy Platform Developed With Advocacy Leaders For Expanding Transit and Building Safer Communities

Plan advances Vision Zero, safer corridors, expanded transit, and economic growth across Passaic County

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — Today, Ali Aljarrah, Democratic candidate for Passaic County Commissioner At-Large, announced a bold new transit and street safety platform developed in partnership with local advocacy leaders, transportation experts, and community stakeholders.

Centered on a Vision Zero approach, the platform lays out a comprehensive strategy to reduce traffic fatalities, reconnect neighborhoods divided by highways, and strengthen local business corridors through safer, more accessible streets.

“Passaic County’s transportation system should move people safely—not just move cars quickly,” said Ali Aljarrah, Democratic Candidate for Passaic County Commissioner. “Vision Zero implements a goal for our county to achieve collectively – zero deaths on our roadways. Whether it is up-county or down-county – this reflects what we heard directly from advocates and residents: we need safer crossings, slower speeds, and infrastructure that actually serves and grows our communities. It’s not too late for us to set more ambitious goals and now is the time for us to plan and work together. Passaic County is home to some of the largest cities in our state and as economic wisdom puts it – a good transportation system is a driver of economic growth.”

A Community-Driven Vision for Safer Streets

The platform was shaped in collaboration with transportation and pedestrian safety advocates who have pushed for reforms to some of the county’s most dangerous corridors.

“Advocates have been sounding the alarm on traffic safety for years,” said Ben Dziobek, Executive Director of Climate Revolution Action Network. “This plan shows what’s possible when community voices are taken seriously and translated into real policy.”

Key Pillars of the Plan

Targeting High-Injury Corridors
The platform prioritizes immediate interventions on some of Passaic County’s most dangerous roadways, including Route 20, Route 3, and Interstate 80. The focus includes pedestrian safety – meaning protecting residents who are going to work, home, or exploring downtown. Proposed upgrades include:

• Safer crossing infrastructure like pedestrian refuge islands and raised crosswalks
• Road diets to reduce speeding and improve traffic flow
• Improved interchange design and barrier protections
• Smart traffic monitoring and crash hot-spot redesign

Countywide Traffic Calming & Complete Streets
The plan commits to implementing a countywide traffic calming toolkit, including:

• Speed humps, curb extensions, and narrowed lanes
• Mini-roundabouts and safer intersection design
• Expansion of micro mobility options such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and landscaped buffers

Implementation, Public Input, and Current Data
The Vision will adopt and expand the Local Safety Action Plan, a countywide plan launched in 2024, but not yet implemented, including:

• Update current public crash data dashboards after 2021 to present
• Continued Identification of high-injury networks
• Restore community reporting tools
• Collaboration with community through a series of open hearings in every municipality for public input
• Equity-focused infrastructure investment

Economic Growth Through Safer Streets
The platform highlights the direct connection between street safety and economic vitality:

• Increased foot traffic for small businesses
• Reduced commercial vacancies
• Stronger, more vibrant downtown corridors

Connect Paterson to Newark — Unlock North Jersey’s Economy by Light Rail

A direct light rail link between two of New Jersey’s largest cities would reduce congestion, expand opportunity, and drive regional growth.

• Expands access to jobs, education, and healthcare across Passaic and Essex Counties
• Reduces congestion by providing a faster, more reliable transit alternative
• Supports economic development and investment in historically underserved communities

Expanding Microtransit Will Close the Gaps in Passaic County’s Transportation System

On-demand, flexible transit can connect residents to jobs, services, and existing bus and rail networks — especially in underserved communities.

• Expands program beyond Clifton and Passaic for first- and last-mile access to jobs, healthcare, and essential services
• Fills gaps where fixed-route buses and rail service are limited or unavailable
• Provides a cost-effective, flexible solution to improve mobility countywide

Upgrading EV Infrastructure and a County Green Fleet Will Power a Cleaner, More Affordable Passaic County

Investing in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure will reduce emissions, lower long-term costs, and modernize county operations.

• Lowers long-term fuel and maintenance costs for county operations
• Expands EV charging access to support residents and local businesses
• Reduces emissions and improves air quality in frontline communities

Leveraging State & Federal Partnerships

Recognizing that many major corridors fall under state and federal jurisdiction, the plan calls for aggressive coordination with agencies including NJDOT and regional planning authorities, while maximizing funding opportunities through programs like Safe Streets for All and Transportation Alternatives. As Commissioner, Ali will be a proactive, rather than reactive, member of the board.

Building a Safer, More Connected Passaic County

At its core, the platform commits to a future where traffic deaths are preventable—not inevitable—and where infrastructure investments prioritize people, equity, and community connection.