Transportation In NY

Question 1

Scope of the challenge

Answer 1

• In 2020, 54% of households relied solely on public transport to get to work
• The average travel time was over 40 mins

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

• 37% of the subway system has exceeded its useful lives
• 47 bridges are rated ‘structurally deficient’
• Population growth is outpacing housing stock growth
• There is a higher growth in housing on the periphery, meaning more people have to commute further and increasing congestion
• More delivery vehicles (over 1.5M in 2020) and city visitors place more pressure on existing infrastructure

Question 3

Impacts

Answer 3

• Traffic congestion is worsening, with gridlocks often forming
• People are experiencing slower travel speeds and longer trip times, higher chances of crashes and lost productivity
• Since 2006, congestion has increased by 53% to an annual cost of $20B
• Congestion increases the amount of fuel used while sitting and idling, also increasing emissions

Question 4

NYC DOT Carshare Program - Overview

Answer 4

• Carsharing involves a number of cars being available for very short-term renting within NYC
• It is more flexible and accessible than traditional renting, as cars are always close by and typical responsibilities don’t apply (like insurance and fuel costs)
• In 2018, a DOT pilot program introduced 283 designated parking spaces in NYC
• The program aims to reduce the number of cars on the road, by offering a cheaper alternative transport method (parking spaces are guaranteed, reducing travel time and parking costs)
• The program has been successful, and for every one carshare vehicle introduced, there were an average of four (4) personal vehicles either sold or with their purchase postponed
• The reduction of vehicles on the roads decreases local travel times by decreasing congestion, and subsequently increases productivity
• There has been a marked decrease in greenhouse gas emissions as vehicle idling times are reduced

Question 5

NYC DOT Carshare Program - Sustainability

Answer 5

Social
- Household transportation costs have significantly reduced
- People can experience shorter travel times and less congestion
- People have more parking options
- People have more flexibility in vehicle choices

Economic:
- The scheme is cost-effective for the short-term as it removes traditional fees like registration, insurance, fuel, maintenance, parking and roadside assistance
- Users can even make money by offering up their own vehicles
- The faster travel time from the reduced congestion allows individuals to be more productive, as over $20B is lost each year primarily from this travel time cost (over 45%)

Environmental
- Carsharing reduces the number of cars on the road, which leads to a reduced level of greenhouse gas emission
- The reduced congestion reduces the amount of time cars spend idling, contributing to these reduced emissions
- Air quality is improved, and so is the land, as soil pollution (from the leaking of fluids) is lessened.
- Over 12 000 tonnes of greenhouse gasses have already been removed from NYC’s annual emissions due to the program
- Newly available stopping and parking spots can be used as greenspaces

Question 6

NYC DOT Carshare Program - Liveability

Answer 6

• The reduction in the number of vehicles on the road will improve the local environmental conditions, including air quality, noise levels and dust levels, facilitating a more comfortable experience for locals
• Less cars in use will also result in less congestion, which will result in less road rage incidents
• People no longer need to deal with extreme wait times, and current 40+ minute wait times will decrease (travel-related stress will decrease)
• Physical safety will increase as less congestion, gridlock and road rage lowers the risks towards cyclists and pedestrians in the metro area. Traffic safety should also improve with less accidents occurring
• Quality of life improvements stem from the reduced travel times, which allow for greater productivity and more free time available for leisure
• Cost of living will also decrease slightly, as there are reduced fees compared to traditional transportation options through parking, fuel and other vehicle-related costs

Question 7

Congestion Surcharge - Overview

Answer 7

• NYC is aiming to reduce the congestion and emissions of vehicles by reducing the amount of vehicles on the roads at once
• 75% of people pass through the CBD in low-capacity vehicles
• A congestion surcharge (tax) will charge vehicles entering the Manhattan CBD during peak commuting hours, with expected costs ranging from $9 - $23
• A surcharge will mitigate pollution (as less vehicles are sitting in traffic) and congestion
• It will provide over $15B in funds for the upkeep of the public transport system
• It facilitates faster travel time for busses, which are some of the only available options for lower-income individuals
• It reduces congestion and travel times

Question 8

Congestion Surcharge - Sustainability

Answer 8

Social
Some possible social benefits of the congestion surcharge are:

• Improving public health by reducing exposure to harmful emissions, noise, and stress from traffic congestion .
• Increasing equity by providing discounts or exemptions for low-income drivers, residents within the congestion zone, or essential workers .
• Enhancing safety by reducing the risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities from traffic collisions .
• Promoting social inclusion by improving access to public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian facilities for people of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds .
• Supporting community development by creating more livable and attractive streetscapes, public spaces, and neighborhoods .
• Encouraging civic engagement by fostering a culture of environmental awareness, responsibility, and participation among residents and visitors .

Economic
Some possible economic benefits of the congestion surcharge are:

• Generating revenue for the MTA to fund subway and bus improvements, as well as other transportation projects .
• Boosting economic activity by improving travel times, reliability, and access to jobs and services in Manhattan .
• Saving costs for drivers, businesses, and taxpayers by reducing fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance, parking fees, and health care expenses .
• Increasing productivity for workers, employers, and customers by reducing travel delays, stress, and absenteeism .
• Creating jobs for transit operators, construction workers, engineers, planners, and other related sectors .
• Spurring innovation by stimulating the development and adoption of new technologies, such as electric vehicles, smart mobility, and congestion management systems .

Environmental
Some possible environmental benefits of the congestion surcharge are:

• Improving air quality by lowering carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants from vehicles .
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigating the impacts of climate change .
• Conserving energy by increasing the efficiency and utilization of transportation resources and infrastructure .
• Protecting natural resources by reducing the demand for land, water, and materials for road construction and maintenance .
• Preserving biodiversity by minimizing the disturbance and fragmentation of habitats and ecosystems from transportation activities .
• Enhancing resilience by improving the capacity and adaptability of the transportation system to cope with extreme weather events, disasters, and emergencies .

Question 9

Congestion Surcharge - Liveability

Answer 9

• Health and safety: Congestion pricing can lower the levels of harmful air pollutants such as PM10 and NO2, which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases⁷⁹. It can also reduce the risk of traffic accidents and injuries by discouraging driving and encouraging walking, biking, or taking public transport[^10^].
• Mobility and transport: Congestion pricing can speed up travel times, increase reliability, and reduce stress for drivers and commuters by easing traffic flow and reducing gridlock²⁴. It can also generate revenue to fund and improve public transit services, such as buses, subways, and ferries²⁶.
• Local environmental conditions: Congestion pricing can improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate climate change by discouraging the use of fossil-fuel vehicles and promoting the use of cleaner alternatives³⁹. It can also reduce noise pollution and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city by creating more space for pedestrians, cyclists, and greenery[^10^].