NYMTC’s Next Regional Transportation Plan
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) is developing its next Regional Transportation Plan titled Moving Forward, Your Region Connected for New York City, Lower Hudson Valley, and Long Island. The Plan covers all modes of ground transportation including highways, roads and bridges, streets, rail and bus transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, movement of goods, and special needs transportation. Updated every four years, the Plan is a blueprint that helps support sustainable growth and guide federal funding for transportation investment in the region.
This Plan is being developed collaboratively with NYMTC member agencies, other stakeholders and members of public. There are many opportunities to participate in the development of this Plan. Please click on this link https://www.nymtc.org/planmovingforward for more information on the new Plan and how to participate in its development.
For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2020
Contact:
Jessica Ortiz and Maura Fitzpatrick, Public Information Officers
212-383-7203
jessica.ortiz@dot.ny.gov and maura.fitzpatrick@dot.ny.gov
NYMTC Launches Virtual Community Engagement for Moving Forward, Your Region Connected - the Next Regional Transportation Plan for NYC, Lower Hudson Valley, and Long Island
NEW YORK - The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) announces opportunities for virtual community engagement as it prepares its next Regional Transportation Plan, titled Moving Forward, Your Region Connected, for New York City, Lower Hudson Valley, and Long Island.
On June 17, 2020, NYMTC launches its Plan update website at www.nymtc.org/Planmovingforward. The site includes opportunities to provide input on the Plan’s proposed strategic vision goals, and priorities and solutions for the region as they relate to: Safety and Security; Reliable and Easy Travel; Planning for Changing Demand; Reducing Environmental Impact; and Resiliency. The site includes a video introducing the Plan’s update.
In light of the public health emergency, NYMTC is hosting a series of Virtual Workshops on the Plan update with presentations and interactive sessions. The schedule for these Workshop sessions follows:
Lower Hudson Valley – July 14, 2020
- Session 1: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
- Session 2: 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Region-wide – July 14, 2020
New York City – July 21, 2020
- Session 1: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
- Session 2: 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Long Island – July 22, 2020
- Session 1: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
- Session 2: 3:00 - 4:30 pm
To register for these virtual workshops and for more information, visit: https://www.nymtc.org/Planmovingforward
Route 59 draft Final Report Public Review
Please join us for a virtual public review meeting to discuss and gather comments on the draft Final Report for the Route 59 Area Transportation and Land Use Study. The Study identified and evaluated transportation and development issues and made improvement recommendations in the following areas: community design/process, roadway, bicycle/pedestrian, and transit. Throughout the study, public input was gathered to identify issues and develop recommendations to shape the corridor into a safer, more pedestrian friendly environment with increased efficiency for vehicular traffic, emergency responders, and transit through the corridor. If you can’t make it to a workshop, we will be accepting comments by email through 4 pm on Friday August 14th. Please use the following email address for comments: Comments@Route59Study.org. Please visit route59study.org for full details.
Be Counted! Reminder to Take the 2020 Census
Every 10 years since 1790, the census has played a critical role in determining each state’s representation in Congress, and the distribution of more than $650 billion in federal funding for vital programs like public education, affordable housing, roads and bridges, and much more. Knowing how, and where, the NYMTC region is growing plays a role in preparing for the future.
Be counted! Getting undercounted means getting underfunded and would risk that the money that should be coming to the region for statewide improvements could go elsewhere. Be part of making sure that the region gets the funding it needs. For the first time ever, the 2020 Census can be filled out online in ten minutes in 59 languages
More information is available at 2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020.
NYMTC’s Program, Finance and Administration Committee (PFAC) Hosts a Virtual Presentation on the Clean Freight Corridors Planning Study
During its June 4, 2020 virtual meeting, members of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC)’s Program, Finance and Administration Committee (PFAC) , heard a presentation from Leslie Fordjour, NYMTC Project Manager, and Chris Lamm of Cambridge Systematics on the recently launched Clean Freight Corridors Planning Study. This meeting was chaired by Ian Francis of the NYS Department of Transportation, who stated that under the Governor’s Executive Order 202 this meeting can take place virtually.
The 18-month long Planning Study will result in a series of recommendations to designate certain roads as Clean Freight Corridors based on the availability of clean fuel infrastructure for trucks. The Study will also make recommendations to address gaps in that infrastructure, and modifications to the demand side of freight deliveries to improve efficiency. This Study originated from the NYMTC Regional Freight Plan to advance more efficient goods movement. The main focus will be on interstate highways in the tri-state region as they carry the most trucks. The Multi-State Freight Working Group will serve as the Study’s Technical Advisory Committee.
TIn addition, NYMTC staff introduced a series of resolutions for PFAC consideration that the committee adopted.
- Resolution #504 – Selection of Project Proposals to Be Funded Through the Federal Fiscal Years (FFYs) 2018 and 2019 Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Program
- Resolution #505 – Amendments to the Federal Fiscal Year 2018-2045 Regional Transportation Plan
- Resolution #506 – Amendments to the State Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Unified Planning Work Program
Click here to download the presentation:
Clean Freight Corridors Planning Study
Click here to view the meeting:
NYMTC's YouTube Page
Click here to download the meeting synopsis:
June 4, 2020
NYMTC’s Program, Finance and Administration Committee (PFAC) Holds a Special Virtual Meeting to Distribute Federal Transit Funding
On April 30, 2020, members of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC)’s Program, Finance and Administration Committee (PFAC), held a special virtual meeting to adopt an important resolution to distribute federal transit funding among its member agencies.
PFAC Chair Ron Epstein, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the NYS Department of Transportation, stated that under the Governor’s Executive Order 202 this meeting can take place virtually. He also thanked essential workers and recognized the impacts of this pandemic on them.
The following resolutions were adopted at this meeting:
- Resolution #502 – Distribution of Federal Fiscal Year 2020 Federal Transit Funding
- Resolution #503 – Amendments to the SFY 2020-2021 Unified Planning Work Program
In addition, Mr. Epstein reported that PFAC had taken an additional action via mail ballot to adopt Resolution #501 - CARES Act to sub-allocate supplemental Federal Fiscal Year 2020 funds appropriated by Congress through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
I-95 Corridor Coalition Online Commercial Vehicles Operations (CVO) Portal
The I-95 Corridor Coalition is aware that the trucking industry is actively seeking status information on various areas (travel information, credential status, etc.) along the Corridor. The I-95 Corridor Coalition provides an online Portal to access information of interest to Motor Carriers. In addition to linking to I-95 Corridor Coalition agencies’ Travel Information sites, the Portal also contains information on Commercial Vehicle Operating, Credentialing, Registration, Taxation, and Permitting Requirements, Commercial Driver Licensing, Traveler Truck Parking and Weigh Stations, Tolling Information, and Motor Truck Associations for each of the I-95 Coalition Member States from Maine to Florida.
I-95 Corridor Coalition Online Portal
Route 59 Area Transportation & Land Use Study Draft Final Report Available
The Route 59 Area Transportation & Land Use Study identified and evaluated transportation and development issues and future improvement recommendations in the 4.5-mile stretch of Route 59 that runs from Airmont Road in the Village of Airmont east through the hamlet of Monsey and Town of Ramapo to South Pascack Road in the Village of Spring Valley. Throughout the study, public input was gathered to identify issues and develop recommendations to shape the corridor into a safer, more pedestrian friendly environment with increased efficiency for vehicular traffic, emergency responders, and transit through the corridor. Please watch for future notices of public meetings to discuss the recommendations of the draft Final Report, which can be downloaded from the project website: route59study.org.
NYMTC Clean Freight Corridors Planning Study
NYMTC has initiated a Clean Freight Corridors Planning Study to advance high-efficiency, low-emission alternative transportation technologies in the region’s freight fleet.
Part of the Regional Freight Plan component in NYMTC’s Plan 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan, the study will develop a strategic plan to launch alternative fuel technologies for goods movement by identifying roadway corridors suited to be designated as Clean Freight Corridors.
Even with improved fuel efficiency, the diesel-powered engines of most equipment used to transport freight on the United States’ highways and rail lines emit pollutants and greenhouse gases. But market forces and state policies demand more clean and efficient ways to curb the emissions.
This study will:
- Inventory existing alternative fuel infrastructure in the region;
- Review current and emerging alternative fuel technologies;
- Identify gaps between existing and future alternative fuel infrastructure capacities;
- Analyze trends and forecasts; and
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Identify and define optimal corridors for recommended designations as clean freight corridors and identify needs for the development of additional clean freight infrastructure in each corridor.
Public and private freight stakeholders, NYMTC’s Freight Subcommittee and the Metropolitan Area Planning (MAP) Forum organizations in the multi-state metropolitan region will provide insight throughout the development of the strategic plan.
COVID-19 Resources for People with Disabilities
The NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has put together a comprehensive set of information to support the most vulnerable populations in the city. The information provides updates on closures, materials on useful programs, and a list of organizations that provide essential services to the elderly and disabled, including: food and supplies, social services/Medicaid benefits, home health care providers, transportation, housing, utilities, education, employment, businesses, finance, pets and service animals, and mental health resources. The following information has been gathered specifically to inform people with disabilities on the resources available to the population during NYC's response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Click Here to Read More
Rockland County Executive Ed Day confirmed as Co-Chair of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) at its 2020 Annual Meeting
NEW YORK - During the February 27, 2020 meeting, which was held at the CUNY Graduate Center, NYMTC Council Members elected Rockland County Executive Ed Day as Co-Chair for the 2020-2021 term. Previously, NYCDOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg served as NYMTC’s Co-Chair. Commissioner Trottenberg was recognized by the NYMTC Board at the meeting for her service. The New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner is NYMTC’s permanent Co-Chair.
Serving as the Annual Meeting’s keynote speaker, Stephen Gardner, Amtrak Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Commercial Officer, provided an address in keeping with the meeting’s theme of Funding for the Future. Mr. Gardner discussed the recent improvements that Amtrak has undergone including achieving a 3.5% increase in operating revenue in 2019, with the Northeast Corridor (NEC) driving this success. The increase in operating revenue has allowed the railroad to invest in equipment as well as longer term infrastructure projects. Mr. Gardner spoke of the requisite cooperation from Congress, as well as from other rail operators to maintain this success and rate of growth.
Mr. Gardner pointed to a number of local projects in which Amtrak is investing along with its many partners and stressed the continuing need to identify and obtain funding to see these projects to completion. Among them are Portal Bridge North, NY Penn Station Access, Hudson and East River tunnels, and Gateway, which is anticipated to receive 60% funding from Amtrak. He added that the investment needs for these major projects are 3-4 times the current available funds.
Council Members also adopted NYMTC’s $48 million State Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The UPWP is a guiding document that helps NYMTC and its members to determine how federal funding will be spent each year for planning activities.
Click here to view the meeting:
NYMTC's YouTube Page
NYMTC hosts Safety and Micromobility Workshops
NEW YORK - On January 30, 2020, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) in conjunction with its Safety Advisory Working Group (SAWG) hosted workshops concerning Safety and Micromobility. These workshops are part of an information gathering effort in support of the development of the next long-range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), Plan 2050. The first session in the afternoon had an audience of approximately 40 people at NYMTC’s office in New York City who were joined by 20 participants from across the region via webinar. The second session in the evening was conducted only via webinar and had nine participants.
The sessions included a presentation which provided an overview of NYMTC and its the Plan 2050 development effort. Using an online polling platform to accommodate both participants in the room and those attending remotely, participants discussed their perceptions of micromobility; safety issues surrounding micromobility; and potential strategies to address these issues.
Click here to download the presentation:
Safety Issues and Micromobility
NYMTC’s Program, Finance and Administration Committee (PFAC) Hosts a Presentation on the Port Authority of NY & NJ’s Port Master Plan 2050
NEW YORK - During its February 13, 2020 meeting, members of the New York Metropolitan Council (NYMTC)’s Program, Finance and Administration Committee (PFAC) , heard a presentation from Charles Bontempo, Senior Program Manager for the Port Authority of NY & NJ (PANYNJ), regarding the recently completed Port Master Plan 2050.
Mr. Bontempo described the Master Plan as a framework for future land use decisions by PANYNJ over the next 30 years. PANYNJ facilities are responsible for moving 1/3 of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. Shipping container volumes are projected to double or triple by 2050 according to the Master Plan. The Master Plan also includes efforts to accommodate larger ships in the region. The Master Plan’s goals include resiliency, increasing modal shift away from trucks, reducing emissions, and generating economic development.
In addition, NYMTC staff introduced a series of resolutions for PFAC consideration that the committee adopted.
Resolution #497 – Recommendation of the draft State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2020-2021 Unified Planning Work Program for Council Adoption
Resolution #498 - Amendments to the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
Resolution #499 – Supporting Safety Performance Targets Under the Transportation Performance Management Requirements
Resolution #500 – Recognition of Service by Robert Brickman, Nassau County Department of Public Works
Upcoming Meeting:
NYMTC’s next Program, Finance and Administration Committee (PFAC) meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2020.
Click here to download the presentation:
Port Master Plan 2050
Click here to view the meeting:
NYMTC's YouTube Page
New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) Hosts Republic of Korea Delegation
NEW YORK - The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) hosted representatives of the Metropolitan Transport Commission (MTC) of the Republic of Korea at a meeting in their office in Lower Manhattan on December 15, 2020. The MTC’s mission is to provide seamless, convenient, and affordable transport services by building an inclusive cooperation system.
NYMTC staff presented an overview of the organization, its structure, products, and planning process. The presentation emphasized the unique characteristics of the NYMTC region in terms of density, geography, and aging infrastructure, as well as the need for regional coordination among neighboring Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs).
The MTC representatives asked a number of questions of NYMTC staff regarding the sources of public financing, as well as the relationship between federal and state/local funding opportunities, and how decisions are made regarding distribution of these funds. They expressed interest in local examples of Public-Private Partnerships, as well as other innovative methods to implement large projects in the region.
Click here to download the presentation:
NYMTC and the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Process-Korean Delegation
Additional photos are available on
NYMTC’s Flickr Page.
Metropolitan Mobility Network (MMN) Hosts Session on Developing a Regional Planning Vision for Shared Mobility
NEW YORK - At the December 11, 2019 Metropolitan Mobility Network (MMN) session an audience of over 30 people at the NYMTC Office in New York City joined 20 participants from across the region via webinar. The MMN serves as an advisory group to NYMTC and the Metropolitan Area Planning (MAP) Forum.
The session included a presentation which highlighted the importance of developing a regional planning vision for shared mobility. This effort includes involving municipal, state, and transportation agencies that are planning for rapidly changing technological developments, and building awareness of the opportunities presented by shared mobility developments to addressing transportation needs. The workshop discussed the various contextual definitions that characterize what shared mobility is such as mobility management, mobility-on-demand, and mobility-as-a-service. The participants then weighed in on how these definitions determined the types of mobility service models, including carpools, bike sharing, and public transit, that are implemented throughout the region.
The MMN session concluded with an interactive discussion, using an online polling platform to accommodate both participants in the room and those attending remotely. Participants voted on the types of shared mobility modes of transportation they have used, the concerns associated with the development of shared mobility, and the actions that need to be taken to support shared mobility across the region. The input gathered from this discussion will be used in the development of NYMTC’s next Regional Transportation Plan.
Click here to view the meeting:
NYMTC’s YouTube Page
Annual MAP Forum Meeting Reviews Regional Studies
NEW YORK - The Metropolitan Area Planning (MAP) Forum held its 2019 Annual Meeting on December 13, 2019 at the NYMTC office. The MAP Forum is a consortium of metropolitan planning organizations and councils of government – including NYMTC -- in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the coordination of planning activities in the multi-state metropolitan region. This year’s Annual Meeting reviewed two very significant planning activities relevant to the multi-state metropolitan region.
The first regional activity reviewed was the recently funded Southeast, NY-to-Danbury, CT Link Feasibility/Planning Study, to be financed through NYMTC’s Unified Planning Work Program. Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton joined the meeting via videoconference to make introductory remarks about the significance of this study to travel in the I-84/I-684 corridors in both New York and Connecticut and to acknowledge the partnership with Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell, a NYMTC principal, in helping to formulate and finance the work. Vincent Tamagna, Putnam County’s project manager for the study, then provided an overview presentation on the study. He described the interstate collaboration at the heart of the study, which brings together Putnam County, the City of Danbury, NYMTC, the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, and the MTA Metro-North Railroad in an advisory capacity. The study will seek to assess the feasibility of and need to restore passenger rail service on the inactive Beacon Line between Danbury and Southeast. Putnam County anticipates releasing a Request for Proposals for professional services in support of this study early in 2020.
The MAP forum then heard a presentation from Charles Bontempo of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on their recently released Master Plan for the Port of New York and New Jersey through 2050. Developed in two phases corresponding to the first fifteen years and subsequent fifteen years, the Plan forecasts future demand and lays out the increases in Port capacity that will be needed to accommodate those increases. Importantly, the Plan also addresses the Port’s future resiliency and its environmental and community impacts. MAP Forum members expressed interest in the landside impacts of the Plan on regional goods movement and perhaps using the MAP forum as a platform for coordination of landside actions related to the future of the Port.
Click here to download the presentations:
MAP Forum Work Program
PORT MASTER PLAN 2050:
A Road Map for the Next 30 Years
Southeast, NY-to-Danbury CT Link Feasibility/Planning Study
Click here to view photos of the meeting:
NYMTC’s Flickr Page