posted 07-16-2001 11:34               

Bold Vision Puts New York on Right Side of Tracks

In the mid-1970s, confronted with possible bankruptcy and a deteriorating subway system, New York's public transit officials were forced to think boldly to remedy the
situation. Some immediate steps involved instituting a zero-tolerance law enforcement policy and removing graffiti. More significantly, leaders raised $30 billion
since 1978 to renovate and expand the existing transit system--rather than build new roadways. Improvements include rehabilitating stations, rails, tunnels, bridges, and control equipment; adding thousands of new subway cars and buses; installing a farecard system to facilitate subway-bus transfers; and upgrading the commuter-rail system.

As a result, 40 percent of New York-region commuters currently use mass transit, bike, or walk to work--compared to the national average of 17 percent. Partly because New York surpasses the country in public transit investment, it has been able to accommodate population growth and increase jobs faster than the national rate for the first time in 50 years. In addition, while still serious, New York's traffic congestion is significantly lower than that of 22 other regions, including Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, and Seattle.

Accompanying the investment in public transit has been the adoption of new technologies--such as the E-ZPass, which automatically charges tolls to a commuter's credit card--to smooth the flow of traffic on existing roads. Although these developments have led to toll hikes, the increased revenue helps to maintain roadways and continue the expansion of public transit. By creatively cultivating existing capacity, New York developed a comprehensive transportation system that has set the standard for other regions that want to stay mobile and survive economically in the new century.

Source: Neal Peirce, "New York's Transit Comeback: Model for a Traffic Clogged Nation?" Washington Post, May 22,
2001.