08757, Toms River, New Jersey Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 08757, Toms River, New Jersey is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.41 percent of residents in 08757 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus with a distance of 7.87 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Toms River (08757)

The decision to move to a new town, particularly for those managing a chronic condition like asthma, involves a complex evaluation. For individuals considering a relocation to Toms River, New Jersey (ZIP Code 08757), understanding the ease of **healthcare access** is paramount. This "Asthma Score" write-up delves into the **transportation** landscape, offering a detailed assessment of commute times, public transit options, and available ride-sharing and medical transport services, all crucial factors influencing the quality of life for those living with asthma.

Toms River, a sprawling township in Ocean County, presents a diverse geography. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding Pine Barrens contributes to unique environmental factors that can influence asthma triggers. Assessing **transportation** options to healthcare facilities is thus essential. The following analysis considers the primary healthcare providers within and around the 08757 ZIP code, focusing on accessibility from various points within the township.

**Driving to Healthcare:**

For many residents, driving remains the primary mode of **transportation**. The major arteries in Toms River, the Garden State Parkway and Route 37, are critical to **healthcare access**. The Garden State Parkway, a toll road, offers relatively quick north-south travel. Route 37, a heavily trafficked east-west thoroughfare, provides direct access to many medical facilities.

Consider the commute to Community Medical Center, a major hospital located on Route 37. From the northern reaches of Toms River, near the Silverton section, a drive can take approximately 15-20 minutes, assuming moderate traffic. During peak hours, particularly weekday mornings and evenings, this commute could extend to 30 minutes or more. From the southern areas, such as those near the Holiday City developments, the drive time is typically shorter, around 10-15 minutes.

Ocean Medical Center, located in Brick Township, is another significant healthcare provider. Reaching this facility necessitates navigating Route 37 East and then Route 70 East. Travel times from Toms River vary. A trip from the central part of Toms River could take 20-30 minutes, while those residing in the western areas might face a 30-40 minute drive, especially during rush hour.

Smaller practices and urgent care centers are scattered throughout Toms River. Accessing these facilities usually involves local roads like Hooper Avenue, Fischer Boulevard, and Bay Avenue. These routes, while less congested than the major highways, can still experience traffic, particularly near shopping centers and during school dismissal times.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit in Toms River, while present, is limited. The Ocean Ride bus system, operated by Ocean County, offers a network of routes. Several routes, specifically the 559, 560, and 561, serve portions of Toms River. These routes connect to key locations, including shopping centers, senior centers, and some medical facilities.

However, the frequency of these buses can be an issue. Headways, the time between buses, can be lengthy, making timely **healthcare access** challenging. Furthermore, the coverage area is not comprehensive. Many areas of Toms River, especially those further from the main thoroughfares, are not directly served by bus routes.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of Ocean Ride buses is a critical consideration for individuals with asthma who may have mobility limitations. All Ocean Ride buses are required to have wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the availability of these features does not negate the inherent challenges of public transit, such as potential exposure to allergens and the time-consuming nature of the commute.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Toms River. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving, particularly for those who cannot or prefer not to drive. The availability and cost of ride-sharing services can vary depending on the time of day and demand.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, are also available. These services provide non-emergency medical transportation, often including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Several companies operate in the Toms River area, including Atlantic Ambulance and Liberty Medical Transport. These services can be a valuable resource for those who require assistance with **transportation** to and from medical appointments. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be costly.

**Considerations for Asthma Sufferers:**

For individuals with asthma, several factors beyond mere commute times are essential. Exposure to environmental triggers during **transportation** can exacerbate symptoms. Air quality within vehicles, especially during periods of heavy traffic, can be poor. Public transit, while offering an alternative to driving, may expose individuals to allergens and other irritants.

Therefore, when considering a move to Toms River, individuals with asthma should carefully evaluate the proximity of their chosen residence to healthcare providers. They should also assess the availability and reliability of **transportation** options, considering the potential for delays and exposure to triggers.

**Moving to Toms River: The Score:**

The "Asthma Score" for Toms River (08757) is a nuanced one. The availability of major healthcare facilities is a significant advantage. Driving times, while variable, are generally manageable, particularly for those residing near Route 37. However, the limitations of public transit and the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical transport services must be considered.

The ideal scenario for an individual with asthma would be a residence located within close proximity to a healthcare provider, with easy access to Route 37 or other major roads. The ability to drive or utilize ride-sharing services would be beneficial. For those reliant on public transit, careful planning and consideration of potential delays and exposures are crucial.

Ultimately, the "Asthma Score" for Toms River depends on individual needs and circumstances. A thorough assessment of **transportation** options and the potential for environmental triggers is vital in ensuring safe and convenient **healthcare access** for those with asthma considering **moving to Toms River**.