This is one of those things that happens in the background at a high level, but it has big effects. This plan runs through 2050. It’s supposed to set down goals on paper for what New York wants to do to improve its transportation system.
This effort is run by the New York State Department of Transportation. They’re taking input through August 11.
2. What are the big elements of the plan?
It’s got a bunch of big ideas, put into six major buckets. One is to reduce fatalities and improve safety. Another is to provide accessible and affordable options for people. Yet another is to keep the system well-maintained.
Just that … is quite a lot. Consider that transportation includes roads that people, trucks and buses drive on. It also includes airports, bike trails, train stations … even ferries.
3. You wrote about a coalition of transit and environmental groups who are weighing in. What do they have to say?
They say the draft plan is notable … for what it DOESN’T say. They wanted to get some lofty ideas into writing. That would include … reducing the number of vehicle miles driven. Or, stopping all widening of highways and state roads.
If those things were put into this plan, it would eventually impact how funding is distributed. They want to see more money for public transit and bike and pedestrian improvements, with less money for roads and bridges.
4. But what about roads? Not everywhere in the state has great public transit options.
That’s exactly the argument from contracting and construction groups. They say outside of New York City and its suburbs, which are served by the MTA … the vast majority of people get around by personal cars. And they need roads.
The condition of the state’s roads and bridges has declined over time. They wanted the department to focus on maintenance and investments that they say make sense.
5. Where do you think this is going to land?
My read of the draft plan was that it included nods to both sides of this argument. And of course, neither side is happy. This is open for another week of comments, and then .. well, it might just sit on a shelf.
The real battles will come in the specific capital plans. They choose which projects get funded … and which don’t.
