The New NY Bridge Project Mass Transit Task Force New NY Bridge Transit Recommendations EXECUTIVE SUMMARY February 2014 New York State Thruway Authority New York State Department of Transportation The New NY Bridge Project Page 1 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Index Page Introduction 3 A New NY Bus Rapid Transit Network for the New NY Bridge 3 Who was involved? 5  MTTF Members 6 Details  BRT Proposal 7  Travel Time Savings 9  Recommended Short-Term Improvements 10  Recommended Mid-Term Improvements 20  Recommended Long-Term Improvements 23  MTTF Meetings 25 The New NY Bridge Project Page 2 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Introduction To ensure his vision to improve regional transit options as part of building the New NY Bridge (NNYB), Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) to convene a 31-member body known as the Mass Transit Task Force (MTTF) to develop transit recommendations for the I-287 corridor in Rockland and Westchester Counties. Intentionally broad in composition but inclusive of local and regional stakeholders, elected officials, and transportation experts and advocates, the Governor sought to create a public, transparent, and collaborative process to develop a package of short-, mid- and long-term transit recommendations designed to connect both counties with a high-quality, fast, and reliable mass transit system that will not only move commuters more efficiently but also improve local and regional transportation infrastructure. Importantly, the proposed system will serve travel needs in both counties as well as connect travelers to the region’s existing rail system. A key driver of the process was having the short-term transit proposal in place by opening day of the NNYB in 2018. This Executive Summary of the MTTF recommendations outlines the short-term (present to bridge opening), mid-term (up to 15 years following completion of the NNYB) and long-term (over 15 years following completion of the NNYB). The Final Report of the MTTF will be completed within the month. It will be a comprehensive report that will detail:     past studies used to inform the MTTF recommendations the specifics of each recommendation put forward by the MTTF specific actions required to implement the program cost estimates associated with each element of the proposal A New NY Bus Rapid Transit Network for the New NY Bridge – Simple Fast Reliable The MTTF recommends a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that is simpler, faster and more reliable than what is provided today. The BRT system will expand and enhance the existing transit system and will take advantage of extra lane capacity on the NNYB. The transit system proposed by the MTTF for the I-287 corridor fundamentally changes transportation options in Westchester and Rockland Counties. While the proposed system maintains connections to Metro-North Railroad, it goes far beyond just connecting commuters to the rail system. Many people don’t realize that the travel markets within and between each county are significantly larger than travel from either county to Manhattan. The proposed system aligns with these travel markets while still serving Manhattan-bound commuters. The proposed BRT network is customized for the region with rapid deployment capability, allowing it to be in place when the NNYB opens. It is complemented by an infrastructure program that allows transit to move quickly and reliably through congestion and stay on schedule. The routes will connect more people to more places in both counties and across the bridge, whether traveling eastbound or westbound. It is important to note that many other transit options were considered by the MTTF, including commuter and light rail options. Because the NNYB is being engineered with an additional $300 million worth of structural strength to support rail at some point in the future, the MTTF determined that rail must be a long-term transit recommendation for future consideration. The New NY Bridge Project Page 3 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority What does the BRT system offer? The BRT system offers:  A new riding experience Riders will be offered high-quality transit stations with passenger amenities such as seating, real-time bus arrival information, Wi-Fi at stations and on board, and protection from the elements. The system can be used to travel between or within both counties on the same vehicles with one fare card, one fare payment system, and one identity. This achieves a key objective of the MTTF – to provide travelers with an easy-to-understand, simple-to-use, and convenient transit choice.  Service expansion The system will provide more service throughout the day with 15- or 30-minute frequencies that also connect to local bus services and Metro-North while also serving key destinations (i.e., employment centers, retail centers, medical centers, etc.).  More connections The system is an evolution in how transit is currently provided in the Lower Hudson Valley, offering more choices and a simple system with connections to more places – whether you are traveling to Metro-North, downtown White Plains, the Nyacks, Suffern, Yonkers, Tarrytown, Port Chester, or points in between.  More riders 7,800 additional riders per day – a 28% increase compared to existing bus services in the corridor – will make the system more productive and require lower operating subsidies.  Simplicity A simple route structure with three easy-to-understand “regional” services that cross the Hudson River and four “local” services that offer more connectivity.  Faster journeys A service that is significantly faster than what is on the street today – 25% faster on local roads and 20% faster on I-287.  Infrastructure upgrades Infrastructure improvements will make this system fast and reliable. Added lane capacity on the NNYB, technology that manages traffic and transit flows, and limited but strategic infrastructure improvements will give transit a travel time advantage. Continued collaboration with local officials and stakeholders will be a critical component of ensuring the successful implementation of these infrastructure upgrades.  Improved I-287 efficiency The BRT transit strategy is a comprehensive, multimodal mobility program, improving travel time, speed, and reliability for everyone in the I-287 corridor. Technology improvements along Route 59 will smooth traffic along this critical corridor. Ramp metering, added lane capacity on the bridge, and transit lanes in White Plains reduce travel times and increase reliability across the corridor. The New NY Bridge Project Page 4 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority  A “Smart Corridor” on Route 59 Significant new traffic signal technology and signal upgrades will allow all traffic to move more quickly and reliably on Route 59. This smart technology will be complemented by transit priority measures that allow buses to skip ahead of traffic when intersections are congested, while also assisting passenger vehicles to move through the corridor more efficiently.  Doing better west-of-Hudson The MTTF recognizes the rail and bus services on the west side of the Hudson could be greatly improved. The MTTF encourages NYSDOT, MTA, and New Jersey Transit to discuss strategies to improve rail service in the corridor and access to Manhattan. Specific elements of the transit proposal including intersection/road improvements, cost estimates, and system operations and management options will be detailed in the final MTTF report. Who was involved? In establishing the MTTF, Governor Cuomo offered stakeholders in Rockland and Westchester Counties and transit and planning experts a unique opportunity to gather and prepare a set of transit recommendations for the I-287 corridor that best addresses local communities’ needs. The MTTF's balanced composition included state and local officials, public advocates, community interest groups, and transit and transportation experts. (See full list of MTTF members and contributors on page 24.) The group rose to the challenge of meeting the larger regional needs, while recognizing that all individual ideas may not be integrated into the final proposal. This collective effort resulted in a set of consensus recommendations supported by its members. Providing meaningful mass transit choices in the Lower Hudson Valley will improve mobility within the region, support regional aspirations for economic growth by enhancing access to major employment centers on both sides of the Hudson River, allowing for their growth, and increasing the resiliency and redundancy of the transportation network in the region. The MTTF was also assisted by a technical advisory team made up of transportation professionals from Arup, a global planning, engineering, and design firm. The technical advisory team researched past corridor planning efforts, evaluated regional travel needs, provided comparative reviews of other transit system around the United States and world, assessed potential transit modes, and conducted various transit and traffic analyses to test the proposal as it developed. These data-driven and empirical inputs helped to inform the work of the MTTF. The MTTF met 12 times between late 2012 and early 2014 to develop their transit recommendations. In addition, 18 local stakeholder working sessions were held to further refine the proposal. These inputs were critical to crafting and refining these recommendations. Working with state, county, and local planning officials, the MTTF evaluated previous work and new proposals and shared new ideas for a transit system that best fits the needs and context of the region while also working within fiscal constraints and project delivery requirements. Westchester and Rockland Counties were particularly engaged throughout the process, contributing valuable data, reports, analyses, and input to support the consensus recommendations. The New NY Bridge Project Page 5 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority The Co-Chairs of the MTTF, NYSDOT Commissioner Joan McDonald and NYSTA Executive Director Thomas Madison, are deeply grateful for the time and effort contributed by each MTTF member, their staff and delegates, and the broader community. The collective contributions of all helped shape the future of transit in the Lower Hudson Valley. MTTF Members Name Appointees Thomas J. Madison, Jr. (Co-chair) Joan McDonald (Co-chair) Robert Astorino Scott Baird David Carlucci Bonnie Christian Harriet Cornell Jan Degenshein Jonathan Drapkin 1 Nuria Fernandez Drew Fixell Marsha Gordon Ellen Jaffee Michael Mills John Nonna MaryEllen Odell Amy Paulin Karen Rae Thomas Roach Brandon Sall Lawrence Salley MaryJane Shimsky Christopher St. Lawrence Andrea Stewart-Cousins C. Scott Vanderhoef Veronica Vanterpool Jen White Robert Yaro Support Team Peter Casper Anthony Durante Kristine Edwards Ron Epstein Trent Lethco Mark Roche William Wheeler Title Affiliation Executive Director New York State Thruway Authority Commissioner New York State Department of Transportation County Executive President Senator Mayor County Legislator Architect/Planner President & CEO Chief Operating Officer Mayor President Assemblywoman Administrator/Clerk Board Member County Executive Assemblywoman Deputy Secretary of Transportation Mayor Board Member Former Transportation Commissioner County Legislator Westchester County Nyack Chamber of Commerce New York State Senate, District 38 Village of South Nyack Rockland County Legislature, District 10 Degenshein Architects Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress Metropolitan Transportation Authority Village of Tarrytown The Business Council of Westchester New York State Assembly, District 97 Village of Elmsford Westchester League of Conservation Voters Putnam County New York State Assembly, District 88 Governor's Office City of White Plains New York State Thruway Authority Westchester County Town Supervisor Senator County Executive Executive Director Mayor President Assistant Counsel Transportation Planner Project Coordinator Chief Financial Officer Principal, MTTF Technical Director Principal Director of Special Project Development and Planning Westchester County Board of Legislators, District 12 Town of Ramapo New York State Senate, District 35 Rockland County Tri-State Transportation Campaign Village of Nyack Regional Plan Association New York State Thruway Authority Arup New York State Department of Transportation New York State Department of Transportation Arup Arup Metropolitan Transportation Authority 1 Departed MTA in December 2013; Replaced on the MTTF by William Wheeler, Director of Special Project Development and Planning, MTA The New NY Bridge Project Page 6 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority The BRT Proposal       7 routes: o 3 intercounty routes connecting Rockland and Westchester Counties o 3 intra-county routes connecting destinations in Westchester o 1 route connecting Westchester County to the Bronx The proposed system will serve key east/west travel markets between the two counties. Serving more than just Metro-North commuters, the proposed regional BRT system will provide connections to key regional destinations, including White Plains, Westchester Medical Center, the Palisades Center, Downtown Nyack, the Platinum Mile, Empire City Casino, The Shops at Nanuet, downtown Suffern, and Westchester County Airport. Riders will be able to utilize a unified fare payment system, system-wide. Connections will be provided to existing transit, including all five Metro-North rail lines and the New York City Subway System. The system anticipates a refurbished White Plains Transit Center, to be studied and planned through a $1 million grant awarded to the City of White Plains by the MidHudson Regional Economic Development Council. The New NY Bridge Project Page 7 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Figure 1: The region’s existing regional bus system – the TAPPAN ZEExpress (TZx) – runs between communities in Rockland County, Tarrytown and White Plains in Westchester. Figure 2: Recommended regional BRT system to begin operation when the NNYB opens in 2018. Local Bee-Line routes in Westchester and TOR routes in Rockland will continue to operate. The New NY Bridge Project Page 8 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Travel Time Savings The proposed service will be faster because buses will take advantage of the extra wide shoulders on the NNYB. Traffic flows on I-287 will improve for everyone through the addition of ramp meters at on-ramps throughout the corridor which regulate highway access, thereby smoothing traffic flows for all drivers. Modern traffic management systems on Route 59 and Route 119 in White Plains, along with short transit-only lanes, allow transit to bypass congestion. Proposed access improvements to White Plains Station will also shave time off the total journey. Combined, all interventions will allow transit to move much more quickly, while improving travel times for drivers as well. Existing Travel Time (min) Future Travel Time (min) Minutes Saved % Travel Time Improvement 45 35 10 22% 50 40 10 20% Suffern Tarrytown MNR White Plains TransCenter Nyack 74 50 24 32% White Plains Bronx 75 48 27 36% Origin Nanuet (Interchange 14) Destination Figure 3: Existing Travel Times and Achievable Travel Times with BRT The New NY Bridge Project Page 9 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Recommended Short-Term Improvements What is short-term? From the conclusion of the work of the MTTF in February to the bridge opening in 2018 What is proposed in the short-term?           New BRT Stations and Vehicles Dedicated Transit Lanes I-287 Congestion Control: Ramp Metering Traffic Signal Improvements Route 59 “Smart Corridor” White Plains Station Area Study Corridor Preservation Study Interchange 10 Reconstruction / South Nyack Study New I-287 Interchange 14X Study Transportation Demand Management Programs The New NY Bridge Project Page 10 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority New BRT Stations and Vehicles Figure 4: BRT Bus Stations offer ticket vending machines, travel information and a comfortable waiting environment. (Source: Time Anchor Creative Commons) Figure 5: BRT Buses and Stations are low-floor for easy boarding and branded to be attractive and easy to identify. (Source: Mark David Creative Commons) What is it? High-quality, bus stations with amenities will improve the experience for all riders. Stations will offer comfortable, well-lit, weather protected waiting environments with seating, real-time bus arrival information, a system map, bike and car parking (where appropriate and space allows). Stations will have safe and convenient pedestrian connections to local destinations. Fares will be collected before boarding at ticket vending machines for faster boarding. New BRT vehicles will be able to operate efficiently on both local roads and highways. The buses will offer a highquality, comfortable ride experience and will be equipped with amenities such as Wi-Fi. The entire new BRT system will be uniquely branded to differentiate it from regular local buses. Branding of buses and stations will help make the new service recognizable, attractive and easier to use. Where will it go? The new BRT buses and high-quality stations will be rolled out along all proposed routes. Why is this important? To create an easily identifiable system, improve the passenger experience both on buses and at waiting areas, and attract new riders to the system. The New NY Bridge Project Page 11 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Dedicated Transit Lanes Figure 6: The NNYB will have extra wide shoulders with additional lane capacity for the new BRT system which will allow buses to move faster. (Source: TZC/HDR) Figure 7: Bus lanes and queue jump lanes allow buses to pass other vehicles waiting at intersections. (Source: Paul Sableman Creative Commons) What is it? In some locations, the BRT buses will run in dedicated lanes to improve travel times. By moving buses into their own space, regular traffic can move faster as well. The dedicated lanes will use three configurations: painted lanes on local roads, dedicated bus lanes that are physically separated from other traffic lanes, and “queue jump” lanes at major intersections. Queue jump lanes appear only at intersections, adjacent to general traffic lanes, and are used only by buses to bypass lines of cars waiting at traffic signals. From these lanes, buses get an advanced green signal which allows them to “jump” ahead of traffic for a travel time advantage. Generally, queue jump lanes are only recommended at intersections where the existing layout can accommodate them without major construction or widening. Where will it go? The longest section of transit lanes available to the new BRT vehicles will be the three-miles in each direction of the NNYB. Painted bus lanes are recommended for specific route segments in downtown White Plains and along Central Avenue. Queue jump lanes are recommended for select intersections on Route 59 and Central Avenue as well as at the Interchange 5 eastbound off-ramp in White Plains. Why is this important? To improve bus travel times and enhance system reliability. The New NY Bridge Project Page 12 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority I-287 Congestion Control: Ramp Metering : Figure 8: Ramp meters use traffic signals at on-ramps to help improve traffic flows on highways. (Source: Mike Hicks Creative Commons) What is it? A typical highway on-ramp allows vehicles to merge into traffic wherever gaps are available. The typical ramp system can allow too many vehicles onto the highway at once which can slow traffic on the highway. Ramp metering uses traffic signals placed at the end of highway onramps to regulate or “meter” the flow of vehicles onto the highway. Ramp metering therefore increases highway vehicle speeds and decreases travel time for all traffic by restricting the flow of vehicles onto the highway. On-ramps can also have bus bypass lanes to provide an even greater benefit to transit vehicles. Where will it go? Interchange 14A eastbound; Interchange 14 (both on-ramps); Interchange 13 (all four onramps); Interchange 12 (both on-ramps); Interchange 11 westbound; Interchange 10 (both onramps); Interchange 9 (both on-ramps); Interchange 1 (both on-ramps); Interchange 4 (both onramps); and Interchange 5 westbound Bus bypass lanes are recommended for the following on-ramps along the I-287 corridor including: Interchange 14 eastbound; Interchange 12 (both on-ramps); Interchange 10 eastbound; and Interchange 5 westbound Why is this important? To improve the flow of vehicles and buses on I-287, particularly during the AM and PM rush. The New NY Bridge Project Page 13 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Traffic Signal Improvements Figure 9: TSP allows buses to make lights stay green longer so they can move faster. (Source: Arup) What is it? Traffic signal improvements include installation of new, technology-enabled, and more energy efficient traffic signals. These traffic signals will allow for the use of adaptive signal control technology and Transit Signal Priority (TSP). Adaptive signal controls are integrated with a regional transportation management center and can time lights to improve traffic conditions and transit travel times. TSP allows buses to communicate with traffic signals and prolong green lights as the buses approach intersections, allowing them to get through the signal before it turns red. Improvements to traffic signals throughout the system will provide benefits to all users: BRT passengers, automobile drivers, and pedestrians. Where will it go? At selected intersections along Route 59, Route 119 and Central Avenue. Why is this important? To create smoother travel flows and improve travel conditions for all users along major roadways. TSP will also allow buses to move from station to station faster and more efficiently, limiting the number of stops at red lights. The New NY Bridge Project Page 14 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Route 59 “Smart Corridor” What is it? A “Smart Corridor” along Route 59 in Rockland County would incorporate a package of “intelligent” traffic and signal improvements that will improve traffic and decrease transit travel times without widening the road. This package includes:     new traffic signals updated signal timings to improve traffic along Route 59 adaptive signal control technology between Route 306 in Monsey and Smith Street in Nanuet which will allow for an advanced traffic control system that can respond to changing travel conditions. pedestrian improvements, including new countdown crossing signals at intersections Where will it go? Route 59 between Suffern and Nyack Figure 10: Route 59 corridor improvements Why is this important? Travel times can be reduced along Route 59 in a variety of ways. For transit, the proposed BRT routes will eliminate the route diversions that existing buses follow. Simpler and more direct routing will keep buses on Route 59 for its entire length between Suffern and Nyack. By remaining on Route 59, the system will offer greater service and accessibility along the key commercial spine of Rockland County, while providing connections to local bus routes. Buses will also make fewer stops than existing local buses. Fewer stops mean more time moving. For all traffic – cars and buses – new traffic signals along Route 59 will be timed to allow for smoother traffic flows so that vehicles can move more efficiently from green light to green light. The New NY Bridge Project Page 15 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Improving White Plains Access and Station Area Study Figure 11: Transit-oriented development What is it? The City of White Plains has been awarded a $1 million grant by Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC) to study station and access improvements and potential development around the Metro-North train station. The goal is to develop a plan for a new, regional, multi-modal transportation center and maximize the economic development potential of the surrounding area while also improving access to the station itself. The New NY Bridge Project Page 16 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Where will it go? White Plains Station Area Why is this important? To create a greatly enhanced regional hub for the transit system. This plan will set the stage for an improved gateway to the City, better intermodal transit connections, new economic opportunities for the City, and a more pedestrian-friendly and sustainable environment. Figure 12: Potential transit access enhancements to and through downtown White Plains. All options to be studied further by the City of White Plains, Westchester County, and MTTF agencies. The New NY Bridge Project Page 17 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Corridor Preservation Study What is it? Members of the MTTF believe there is a need to reserve space within the I-287 corridor for future transit and transportation needs. Today there is insufficient room to allow for the introduction of new measures to improve transit or transportation performance. Further study of this idea was called for and a corridor preservation study is a recommended action to look at future needs and to ensure corridor space is reserved in the event new facilities are desired. Where will it go? I-287 corridor in Rockland County and Westchester Counties which will be undertaken in partnership local, regional and state leadership. Why is this important? This evaluation would help to define the area along I-287 needed to accommodate future interchange improvements and future transit infrastructure investments to preserve this area for future transit needs. Interchange 10 Reconstruction / South Nyack Study What is it? The Village of South Nyack has been recommended for a $250,000 grant through the NNYB Community Benefit Program to study Interchange 10 and potential development opportunities surrounding it. The interchange in South Nyack is confusing and occupies a large 25-acre footprint. The study will investigate possible reconfigurations that could include an in-line BRT station on a smaller footprint which would free up valuable land for development or local use. Where will it go? Interchange 10 in South Nyack Why is this important? To improve a confusing and inefficient highway interchange and create new economic development opportunities for the Village of South Nyack while potentially providing a future multimodal transit station. The New NY Bridge Project Page 18 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority New I-287 Interchange 14X Study What is it? A new interchange at the intersection of I-287 and Route 59 could provide new Thruway access to the growing communities in the Monsey area of Rockland County. A study would evaluate the impacts of the new interchange on I-287, Route 59, and local roads. This study effort could set up or serve as the foundation for an EIS and/or Access Justification Report (AJR), required by the FHWA for new Interstate access. Where will it go? Where Route 59 crosses I-287 in Monsey Why is this important? To study a new access point to/from I-287 and its potential for relieving traffic along Route 59. Transportation Demand Management Programs What is it? Transportation demand management (TDM) is the term used for actions or policies that encourage people to make decisions which can help lower vehicle traffic volumes, especially during the most congested times of day. Some strategies encourage a using public transit or to ride sharing. Others encourage travelers to shift the time of the day that they travel to reduce traffic volumes in peak periods. TDM actions require no capital investment and are almost always led by the private sector with encouragement or guidance from the public sector. The MTTF recommends studying the value and application of TDM programs in the region. Where will it go? At the local and regional level throughout the region, but especially in the I-287 corridor. Why is this important? To study alternative means of relieving congestion throughout the I-287 corridor through sets of voluntary policies and programs that incentivize transit use and de-incentivize single-occupancy car travel. The New NY Bridge Project Page 19 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Recommended Mid-Term Improvements What is mid-term? Up to 15 years following completion of the NNYB What is proposed in the mid-term?     White Plains Station Area Redevelopment Interchange 11 Reconstruction West-of-Hudson Rail Improvements An In-Line BRT Station at the Palisades Center White Plains Station Area Redevelopment What is it? This phase of the White Plains Station project will implement the recommendations of the station planning efforts that will take place as a result of the $1 million MHREDC grant. Implementation activities would include a reconstruction of the station to better integrate transit modes, create a more welcoming gateway to the City, and provide better connections between the station and the surrounding community. Where will it go? White Plains Metro-North Train Station and vicinity Why is this important? To see through the recommendations of the station area improvement plan, build a new multimodal transit center, and create a new, pedestrian-friendly, sustainable community that is centered on transit in the western portion of downtown White Plains. Interchange 11 Reconstruction What is it? Congestion on Route 59 in the vicinity of Interchange 11 in Nyack is particularly bad during the AM and PM peak periods, when demand for access to I-287 is greatest. Contributing to congestion in this area is the layout of the interchange; multiple on- and off-ramps connecting to and from I-287 are stretched over a half-mile section of Route 59. Traffic moving to and from these ramps causes backups on Route 59. Short-term improvements like traffic signal retimings on Route 59 will help to improve congestion around Interchange 11, but to address the problem in a more comprehensive manner, the overall design and operation of the interchange should be reviewed, and a new interchange should be designed and built. The New NY Bridge Project Page 20 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Where will it go? Interchange 11 in Nyack Why is this important? To improve access to/from I-287 that can have also greatly improve traffic along Route 59 through the reconfiguration of the Interchange 11 ramps. West-of-Hudson Rail Improvements What is it? Rockland County currently does not have direct rail service to Manhattan and existing commuter rail - while it has improved in recent years - is still limited compared with other routes in the region. Additional improvements that increase service and make trains faster would not only offer current Manhattan bound commuters a better experience but also opens up Rockland and its residents to new jobs and economic activity by making the connections to New York City more attractive. The MTTF is recommending MNR/NJT to continue making improvements to existing rail service in the West-of-Hudson service area. Where will it go? Rockland County and the State of New Jersey Why is this important? To better serve riders using the west-of-Hudson rail lines through increased express services, faster rides, and better overall access to/from New York. Improved rail service would leverage existing infrastructure to help spur growth in Rockland County. The New NY Bridge Project Page 21 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority In-Line BRT Station at Palisades Center Figure 8: In-line BRT stations allow buses to stay on highways and avoid running on slower local roads. (Source: carlosfpardo Creative Commons) What is it? A high quality, full service transit station could be built in the median of I-287 near the Palisades Center park and ride (“Lot J”). A station at this location would keep buses on I-287 and prevent them from having to exit the highway and take a circuitous route to and from Lot J to pick-up and drop-off passengers. Passengers would access the station via a pedestrian bridge spanning I-287. This new station facility would provide significant time savings The in-line station would have all the same amenities as the other BRT stations (real time information, WiFi, ticket machines, etc.). Further discussions with transit experts and local and state officials will take place to ensure that local community needs are addressed. Where will it go? Center median on I-287 approaching the Palisades Center with a pedestrian bridge connection to the commuter park and ride at Lot J. Why is this important? To create a new, convenient stopping point for buses at one of Rockland County’s key park and ride locations that will greatly reduce travel times for buses by keeping them on I-287. The New NY Bridge Project Page 22 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Recommended Long-Term Improvements What is long-term? Over 15 years beyond completion of the NNYB What is proposed in the long-term?   Passenger Service on the West Shore Line East-West Rail Options (Light Rail or Commuter Rail) Passenger Service on the West Shore Line What is it? The introduction of passenger rail service to the 31-mile, CSX-owned West Shore Line was discussed in detail by the MTTF. They agreed to the short-term recommendation for preliminary discussions with a variety of stakeholders needed to make this project happen, including CSX, NYSDOT, Metro-North, and NJ Transit. In the long-term, the MTTF recommends active passenger service on this line. Where will it go? West Shore Line in Rockland and Bergen Counties Why is this important? To introduce a new north-south passenger rail connection to a portion of eastern Rockland County that currently lacks passenger rail service. Once the Gateway Tunnel opens, the West Shore Line, along with the Pascack Valley and Main/Bergen Lines, will likely provide “one-seat” rides into Manhattan. East-West Rail Options (Light Rail or Commuter Rail) What is it? The MTTF recommendations do not preclude the establishment of light rail or commuter rail in the corridor in the long-term. The MTTF considered both modes, but due to capital costs and the time needed to implement the service, rail was eliminated as a short- or mid-term transit mode. The MTTF recognizes that the NNYB is being built to structurally support rail transit. Commuter or light rail could benefit the region at some point in the future if the population grows and demand warrants. Therefore, it is not precluded as a future transit option and should be studied in greater detail as conditions prescribe. The New NY Bridge Project Page 23 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Where will it go? Westchester and Rockland Counties. Why is this important? To meet increased travel demand and take advantage of the design and engineering of the NNYB, which is being built to physically support rail transit. The New NY Bridge Project Page 24 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority MTTF Meetings The MTTF met 12 times between late 2012 and early 2014. All meetings following the January 2013 meeting were open to the press and public and featured a public comment period, during which members of the public were welcomed to speak and/or submit written comments on the meeting’s deliberations. Through this process, the MTTF heard from many interested groups and individuals. 8 of the 10 meetings that were open to the public featured public comments. Additional meetings were held at the request of local stakeholders, through which comments were also considered. Theme Date Kick-off December 21, 2012 Visioning January 18, 2013 Existing Conditions February 22, 2013 Past Studies, Transit Needs and Potential Transit Solutions March 22, 2013 Transit Funding April 26, 2013 Transit Concept Development May 17, 2013 Short-Term Transit Concept Development June 28, 2013 Mid- and Long-Term Transit Concept Development August 16, 2013 Transit Concept Refinement September 20, 2013 Network Analysis and Transit Operations October 25, 2013 Transit Concept Refinement November 22, 2013 Final Recommendations February 28, 2014 The MTTF support team made itself available throughout the process to work with agency and county representatives to consider local issues and optimize the transit proposal. The intent was to engage as many stakeholders as possible to find transit solutions that meet as many local needs as possible. 18 stakeholder meetings were held in 2013. Stakeholder Date Rockland County May 22, 2013 Bee-Line May 22, 2013 Westchester County May 29, 2013 Metro-North June 17, 2013 Westchester County July 8, 2013 Rockland County July 9, 2013 City of White Plains July 11, 2013 Rockland County Executive July 19, 2013 The New NY Bridge Project Page 25 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority Business Council of Westchester July 23, 2013 Tri-State Transportation Campaign August 1, 2013 City of White Plains September 3, 2013 City of White Plains October 9, 2013 City of Yonkers October 21, 2013 Rockland County November 5, 2013 City of White Plains November 15, 2013 City of White Plains November 18, 2013 Metro-North December 17, 2013 Village of Tarrytown December 19, 2013 The New NY Bridge Project Page 26 of 26 New York State Thruway Authority