Governor Hochul Unveils Plans to Reduce Congestion and Keep Commuting Costs Down in New York City
New York, NY – November 14, 2024 – Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled a comprehensive plan to improve the future of transit and traffic in New York City, with a focus on reducing congestion and keeping commuting costs down for New Yorkers.
Congestion Pricing Tolls Reduced by 40 Percent
As part of the plan, the Governor announced a 40 percent reduction in congestion pricing tolls, effective immediately. This move is aimed at easing the financial burden on commuters and encouraging the use of public transportation.
“We are committed to making New York City more accessible and affordable for all residents,” Governor Hochul said. “Reducing congestion pricing tolls will provide immediate relief to commuters while still achieving our goals of reducing traffic and improving air quality.”
Expanded Public Transportation Options
The plan also includes significant investments in expanding public transportation options. The Governor announced plans to:
- Increase bus service by 20 percent over the next five years
- Add 50 new express bus routes
- Expand the ferry system to include new routes and terminals
- Improve subway and commuter rail service
“Public transportation is the backbone of our city,” Hochul said. “We are investing in these vital services to make it easier and more convenient for New Yorkers to get around.”
Smart Traffic Management Technologies
The Governor also highlighted the use of smart traffic management technologies to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. These technologies include:
- Real-time traffic monitoring and response systems
- Adaptive traffic signals
- Variable message signs
“We are embracing cutting-edge technologies to make our traffic system more efficient,” Hochul said. “These smart tools will help reduce travel times and improve the overall experience for drivers.”
Collaboration with Stakeholders
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders in developing and implementing these plans. She met with local officials, transit agencies, business leaders, and community groups to gather feedback and ensure that the plan reflects the needs of all New Yorkers.
“We are in this together,” Hochul said. “By working together, we can create a transportation system that meets the needs of our city for generations to come.”
Additional Features of the Plan
In addition to the key elements outlined above, the plan also includes:
- Increased investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure
- Incentives for employers to adopt flexible work schedules
- A congestion surcharge for large vehicles entering Manhattan
- Expansion of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane system
Implementation and Timeline
The Governor’s plan will be implemented in phases over the next five years. The congestion pricing toll reduction will take effect immediately, while other initiatives will be rolled out gradually as funding and resources become available.
Quotes from Stakeholders
“This plan represents a bold step towards making New York City more accessible and affordable for all,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “I applaud Governor Hochul for her commitment to public transportation and traffic management.”
“We are thrilled with the Governor’s announcement to reduce congestion pricing tolls,” said Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA. “This will provide much-needed relief to commuters who rely on their vehicles to get to work.”
“Smart traffic technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we manage traffic in New York City,” said Polly Trottenberg, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation. “We look forward to working with the Governor to implement these innovative solutions.”
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NYSDOT Recent Press Releases a new article on 2024-11-14 18:23 titled “Putting Commuters First, Keeping Costs Down: Governor Hochul Unveils Plans for Future of Transit and Traffic in New York City, Including a 40 Percent Reduction in Congestion Pricing Tolls”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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