Transportation

          An efficient transportation network is crucial to New York City’s economic health and quality of life.  New York’s transportation network is challenged, however, by aging components, troublesome bottlenecks, and inadequate funding.  Meanwhile, population growth has led to increases in mass transit ridership and worse traffic congestion.

          The Office of Policy Management monitors and analyzes these and many other transportation issues facing New York City, including:

• Subways and buses.   One of New York City’s major competitive advantages, especially in a time of rising fuel prices, is its unparalleled 24-hour-a-day mass transit system.  Improving reliability by bringing the entire mass transit system to a “State of Good Repair” as well as expanding the subway network and adding more bus capacity and routes to accommodate ridership growth are necessary to ensure that the system meets the future needs of residents and employers.

• Highways, bridges, streets, and sidewalks.  If people and freight are to move efficiently, capital investment in surface transportation infrastructure must be sufficient and maintenance given high priority.  Pedestrian and bicyclist safety also need to be enhanced.

• Seniors and the disabled.  Improving transportation accessibility and safety are key concerns.

• Taxis and livery cabs.  Major challenges include reducing emissions, improving accessibility, and ensuring availability.

• Aviation.  The City’s status as a world financial and cultural capital depends on its three major airports, and the airports themselves are major job generators.  Major issues include improving airport access for travelers and freight shipments, ensuring adequate airport capacity to meet expected growth in demand, and improving on time performance.