E-Scooter Pilot Program Rolling Forward In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Newark is rolling closer to a pilot program that will bring e-scooters and e-bikes to the Brick City.

On Thursday, Mayor Ras Baraka announced that a new municipal ordinance has been adopted that lays out a permit process for operations of “shared dockless bikes and scooters” in the public right-of-way.

According to a statement from the mayor’s office:

“NewarkGo, the city’s shared dockless vehicle (e-scooter and e-bike) pilot program, aims to link residents to jobs, schools, housing, health care facilities and other essential services. This will complement the use of public transportation and create attractive vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods where people can live, shop, work, and play without exclusively relying on automobiles.”

Newark officials added:

“With the adoption of this new ordinance by the Newark Municipal Council, the city establishes a six-month pilot program in which a maximum of 2,000 dockless vehicle permits will be issued to applicants that are approved and meet the city’s requirements. The application is available to review online at newarkehd.com/planningzoning/newarkgo starting today, and can be submitted via email to NewarkGO@ci.newark.nj.us beginning at 12:01 a.m. on May 11. To be considered for a permit, applicants shall comply with all requirements outlined in the permit application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the city’s ordinance and program rules and regulations. No company shall operate any dockless vehicle or take any action in violation of city ordinances pertaining to dockless vehicles without first obtaining a valid permit issued by the director of engineering.”

“NewarkGo is designed by Newarkers, for Newarkers,” Baraka said.

“By providing a new way of getting around our city, we can help people access new jobs and opportunities, better connect neighborhoods, and fill in the gaps in our transportation network,” Baraka said. “As we continue on the road to recovery, mobility innovations like this will help kickstart the economy and get people where they need to go safely, quickly and affordably.”

According to Baraka, the NewarkGo pilot advances several goals from his Newark Forward Agenda:

• A Safer City - Promoting social distancing in the time of COVID-19
• An Empowered City - Generating foot traffic for local businesses, encouraging connections to our vibrant neighborhoods, and expanding the range of opportunities for residents
• An Equitable City - Providing a convenient and affordable transportation mode linking underserved populations to jobs, housing, and other essential services
• A Collaborative City - Reducing road congestion, parking demand, and toxic emissions to enhance safety, promote walkability and achieve sustainability

The NewarkGo program was developed in collaboration by the City’s Department of Engineering and Department of Economic and Housing Development with valuable guidance from Bloomberg Associates. More information about the permit application and program can be found at Program: Newarkgo - PZO - Newark EHD.

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