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

A Freight Plan for the NYMTC Region
Action 3 – Develop a Corridor-Wide Commercial Vehicle Real Time Traveler
Information Network
Description
Truckers traveling long distances often have a difficult time obtaining traveler information
in states and urban areas along their routes. The development of a multi-state information
system using a variety of distribution means, including the Internet, would enable truckers
to better avoid congested areas. The I-95 Corridor Coalition conducted an operational
test of this concept called “Fleet Forward” several years ago, but has not moved to fully
implement it.
Transportation Impacts
A multi-state information system would improve traffic flow for trucks and all vehicles.
Other Impacts
By improving the flow of truck traffic, this alternative is likely to have positive environmental
and economic impacts. It can improve regional connectivity particularly along the
I-95 corridor and related routes, including the Northern and Southern Crossings, I-95 NE
Thruway, I-87 NYS Thruway, and Western Circumferential. There are no significant
physical barriers to implementation, but institutional barriers involving industry and
agency acceptance of emerging technologies are potentially high.
Responsible Organization/Action Plan
NYSDOT, PANYNJ, and NYCDOT – Work with the I-95 Corridor Coalition on the continued
development and implementation of a larger regional system of real time traffic information
targeted at freight carriers.
Action 4 – Pricing Strategies
Description
Several agencies manage key regional highways, bridges and tunnels, including the
PANYNJ, the MTA, the NYSTA, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA), and the City
of New York. The region’s toll facilities are shown in Figure 5.3. In recent years, the
PANYNJ, the NJTA, and the NYSTA have implemented value pricing toll structures,
including some special provisions for commercial vehicles, with the goal of shifting some
truck traffic out of peak periods and encouraging the use of electronic toll collection
devices (such as E-ZPass) that facilitate traffic movement at toll plazas. Many experiments
in value pricing are taking place in the United States and around the world. London, for
example, has instituted a cordon charge for all vehicles entering the CBD during peak
periods. Access to Manhattan Island, which is possible only by bridge, tunnel, or ferry,
already is subject to a form of CBD pricing but not all entry points are tolled. The option
also exists to impose peak-period pricing on all vehicles, not just trucks.
Cambridge Systematics, Inc. 5-16