TRANSPORTATION-TROUBLE AHEAD: FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE NEW YORK STATE ADVISORY PANEL ON TRANSPORTATION POLICY FOR 2025

Over the past year the New York State Advisory Panel on Transportation Policy for 2025, a group of transportation professionals representing many perspectives, conducted an extensive series of hearings throughout the State. After careful deliberation of the results of those hearings the Panel has concluded that trouble lies ahead for transportation without bold leadership and substantial new investments of tens of billions of dollars in just the next five years alone. The trouble that is on the horizon will have immediate ramifications on the citizens and businesses throughout the State. If bold leadership is not shown and adequate, meaningful funding is not provided, the infrastructure will deteriorate, the economy will falter, jobs will be lost, and the quality of life in New York State will suffer dramatically. The problems are complex. Multiple modes of transportation must work together seamlessly - today they do not. The current demands on the transportation system must be recognized and new demands anticipated. Multi year funding programs on both the State and federal level are reaching their conclusion. Future legislative solutions face uncertain resolution. Substantial, sustainable and flexible funding must be provided. While it is true that many improvements have been made to the infrastructure over the last decade, major changes in global trade, technology and traffic and the resulting stress placed on the transportation network, requires that an emphasis be placed on renewed investment in system-wide improvements. It is essential that the State take bold and decisive action to ensure that the infrastructure of the Empire State does not slip back to the deplorable conditions of the 1980s. During that time in the State's history, years of poor planning and under investment led to a crumbling infrastructure, unsafe travel and unreliable service. New York State plays a critical role in the nation's economy and its transportation system serves as its economic lifeblood. It is vital that New York State remains competitive in the global economy by providing for a transportation system that is reliable, safe, efficient and secure, while also continuing to enhance the environment and improve our quality of life. The Panel's report, as summarized here, provides key findings on the condition of the State's transportation system and makes policy recommendations which, if followed, will ensure that the economy of New York State thrives in concert with a high quality of life. This outcome is not certain. State leaders must not delay in taking the necessary steps that will meet the transportation needs of New York State citizens today and for generations to come.