nymtc regional freight plan - New York Metropolitan Transportation ...

A Freight Plan for the NYMTC Region
The NYCDOT Bureau of Parking has the legal authority to implement this program on a
citywide basis, and is currently studying areas throughout the five boroughs to create
similar on-street loading zones.
Transportation Impacts
Post-implementation studies conducted by NYCDOT indicate that the parking occupancy
on the affected streets has declined from 140 percent to 95 percent during the hours of
operation, reflecting a substantial decline in the number of double-parked vehicles on
these cross-streets. In addition, the median curbside occupancy period for commercial
vehicles in this area has declined dramatically, from 160 minutes to 45 minutes, due to the
financial incentive provided by the graduated parking rate. While other benefits such as
improved cross-street travel speeds and air quality improvements have not been quantified,
anecdotal information provided by NYCDOT suggests that one of the ancillary benefits
has been a tangible decrease in truck VMT in Midtown Manhattan due to fewer commercial
vehicles making multiple trips around blocks in search of open parking spaces.
Other Impacts
By reducing truck double-parking, idling, and circling for parking spaces, this project is
likely to have positive environmental and economic impacts primarily in the Manhattan
Crossing corridor. This will improve regional connectivity. The project has minimal
physical barriers to implementation, but significant institutional barriers as many commercial
interests have a stake in parking policy. The project relies heavily on the newest
parking meter technology, including the use of parking fare cards which trucking and
delivery companies view as a convenient innovation that enhances the management of
their fleet operations.
Responsible Organizations/Action Plans
1. NYCDOT – Implement the expanded program by 2005, consistent with findings of initial
analysis.
5.1.3 Strategy 1.C – Expand the Application of Intelligent Transportation
Systems (ITS) to Commercial Vehicle Operations
Action 1 – Automate the Commercial Vehicle Permitting, Credentialing, and
Enforcement Systems
Description
Many initiatives are being undertaken in the region to improve traffic movement, safety
and security through the implementation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). For
example, in recent years the PANYNJ has developed a web site to aid shippers and
carriers in tracking the movement of their cargo through the Port of New York/New
Jersey. The following projects are in the planning stages.
Cambridge Systematics, Inc. 5-13