Greening Mass Transit & Metro Regions: The Final Report - MTA

Recommendation 6. Increase Passenger Access at Stations
To increase the capacity of train station parking lots, the MTA should expand the investment in parking programs and
station access, adding spaces if possible, working closely with NYSDOT and NYS; the MTA should create more Park-and-
Rides with feeder and connecting services. Incentivizing car pooling would also be beneficial, and the MTA should consider
dedicating at least 5 to 10 percent of the best spaces for car-pool use only. Additionally, the MTA should consider the
development of intermodal parking facilities at train stations. These facilities will not only increase parking availability, they
will coordinate transportation services, improve pedestrian/vehicular circulation and improve parking management. The
MTA should also review parking pricing as part of broader incentive strategies and expand facilities for those who want to
bike to stations. Any investment in parking programs and station access should be part of a general strategy to discourage
further sprawl.
Recommendation 7. Improve the Integration of Stations into Communities
The MTA should develop better integration of stations into the surrounding communities through improved facilities,
bike and pedestrian access, and other station access plans. Train-to-trail linkages should be enhanced through collaboration
with the New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation and local and regional organizations. The
MTA should explore a range of intermodal transportation services and links along MTA feeder corridors, including light
rail, bus rapid transit, streetcars, bike facilities, and ferries. It should work with public or private partners to provide bus or
other transit services linking stations to suburban villages or hamlets not on train lines, helping to increase more compact,
efficient development.
Recommendation 8. Support Bicycles as a Transit Link
The MTA should play a prominent role in promoting cycling for commuters and recreational cyclists. The inclusion of
bicycling as a mainstream mode of transportation has become a national objective, and the Commission recommends
that it become a priority of the MTA.
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Bicycles as a Transit Link
To encourage and facilitate the use of bicycles as part of the MTA
passengers’ travel from point of origin to the final destination, the
Working Group recommends that the MTA:
• promote and facilitate bike parking at stations;
• promote and facilitate bike transport on trains and buses;
• promote and facilitate bike storage at MTA work sites;
• provide consolidated and easily accessible bike information; and
• act as an advocate and partner in promoting the use of bicycles
as a sustainable link in urban and regional transit.
See additional information on Biking as a Transit Link, prepared by
Ned Sullivan, George Beane and the Smart Growth/TOD Working
Group, in the Appendix of this report.
MTA TA