Reliable, safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation
This solution addresses gaps in transportation options in New York City, USA for local communities
Problem Description
Our transportation network is the lifeblood of the city’s neighborhoods and our economy. Every day the city’s public-transit system enables millions of New Yorkers to get to work and school, access services and shopping, and enjoy the life of the city. Throughout its history, New York City’s economic growth has been supported by investment in its transit system. Despite the importance of the transit network, the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway—scheduled to open in late 2016—will be the first major capacity expansion of the system since the late 1930s. Today, a growing number of subway lines, such as the 4/5/6, are at capacity during peak periods. Transit hubs serving the region, such as Penn Station (Amtrak/NJT/LIRR) and the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT), are also strained. These capacity issues are not limited to Manhattan and traditional Central Business Districts.Building Blocks
Story
Growth throughout the five boroughs, both to dispersed centers of employment and communities experiencing commercial and residential growth, like DUMBO, Williamsburg, and Long Island City, is creating new challenges, a telling sign of the need for better service and connections to emerging job clusters throughout the city.
Reliable and convenient transit access to employment and other activities remains stubbornly out of reach for too many New Yorkers. This problem is particularly acute for low- and moderate-income residents in areas poorly served by the subway or buses. For seniors and those with disabilities, this can affect their ability to simply get groceries, or see family and friends.
For New Yorkers who are active, biking offers a convenient travel option for work and other trips. As biking creates no carbon emissions, it also supports the City’s sustainability goals.
Resources
Organisations Involved
Solution Stage
One of the 7 stages of an innovation. Learn more
| STAGE | SPECIALIST SKILLS REQUIRED | EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES | RISK LEVEL AND HANDLING | FINANCE REQUIRED | KINDS OF EVIDENCE GENERATED | GOAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developing and testing3 | Mix of design and implementation skills |
|
HIGH |
MEDIUM | A stronger case with cost and benefit projections developed through practical trials and experiments, involving potential users | Demonstration that the idea works, or evidence to support a reworking of the idea |