Public transportation plays a significant role in the New York metropolitan region's mobility, and its relative importance as a mode of passenger transportation is unprecedented in comparison with the rest of the nation. In the year 2015 the region will be, as it is today, a multi nucleic megalopolis with the Manhattan central business district (CBD) continuing to be the primary focus of economic activity, whereas the suburbs will maintain their healthy growth. The additional travel demand that will have to be satisfied by 2015 is approximately 1.8 million trips per day, which is larger than the total current ridership of some of the nation's largest transit systems. To meet the region's future mobility needs, substantial additions to existing capacity will be required, particularly since the new demand will materialise in corridors that are already operating at capacity. Three basic alternative scenarios for the future are presented. They differ in terms of the amount of investment they require and are labelled minimum, moderate, and significant. The required improvements, the costs associated with them, the possible financing strategies needed, and the impacts on the region under each scenario are presented. The approximately $3 billion that has to be spent annually on the region's public transportation systems is a challenge that can be met if all levels of government continue their funding at current levels, the fare box recovery ratio remains constant, costs are contained, and new dedicated sources of funding are tapped. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting