Plan to Incorporate Public Participation to Provide a Long-Range Vision for the State’s Transportation Network Through the Year 2050
New Website Launched in an Effort to Further Public Education and Engagement
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of public engagement efforts for the development of the New York State Transportation Master Plan 2050. In partnership with transportation agencies across the state, the New York State Department of Transportation is seeking input from the public about how well the transportation system is working today, as well as priorities for the future. A new project website has been launched to help the public to learn more about New York State’s Transportation Master Plan.
“Every day, millions of New York residents and visitors rely on the state’s network of roads, public transit, bicycle trails and sidewalks to access jobs, education, health care and recreation,” Governor Hochul said. “The New York State Transportation Master Plan will establish a long-term vision and priorities to guide coordinated planning for transportation and will shape the future of transportation in New York. The public’s participation and support will ensure its success.”
The New York State Transportation Master Plan will lay out a vision for community-focused transportation with an outlook to 2050. It will identify policies and priorities to support thriving communities, economic vitality, a clean and healthy environment, and other community-based goals. Input from the public is a critical part of the Transportation Master Plan development process. Over the coming months, the public will have multiple opportunities to provide input on goals and priorities to help shape New York State’s transportation future.
Public participation will occur through a diverse range of activities, including surveys, virtual meetings, and events held throughout the state. NYSDOT is committed to equitable engagement across all regions of the state, including outreach to historically underserved communities and providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate.
The public is encouraged to:
- Visit the project website at nystransportationmasterplan.com to learn more about New York State’s Transportation Master Plan and view the Public Participation Plan.
- Complete a quick survey on the website to share thoughts on how the transportation system is working for you.
- Join the Department at events being held throughout the state – see Upcoming Events for more information.
- Provide your name and email address to be added to the distribution list for future updates.
New York State Department of Transportation Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Looking towards the future, the landscape of transportation is constantly changing. Climate change is creating more severe weather conditions, while travel needs and behaviors have changed following the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of our transportation infrastructure is aging, which creates opportunities to think differently about how we want our transportation system to function for our communities in the future. The Statewide Transportation Plan will utilize a performance-based approach, provide direction to statewide transportation investment and policies, and support the unique needs of New York's diverse regions. Stakeholder and public engagement is absolutely critical to developing this plan, and I highly encourage everyone to get involved and make certain their voices are heard.”
State Senator Tim Kennedy said, "This is a prime opportunity for New Yorkers to help build our state's future transportation agenda. Real, effective improvements are best made when feedback is incorporated from people who rely on these transit systems and roadways every day, and I strongly encourage residents to take time to share their thoughts and their greater vision for what they want prioritized in the months and years to come."
Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “This is an opportunity for the public to influence the future of transportation in New York State. Governor Hochul’s vision for the New York State Transportation Master Plan is an example of the State’s attempts to best address the needs of our communities.”
NYSDOT recognizes that transportation is about more than infrastructure – it is about people, places, and experiences. New York’s highways, railways, airports, and ports support the movement of essential products and goods and connect communities across the state and the world. Decisions about transportation today will have long-lasting impacts.
At the same time, rapid change is occurring, and there are new challenges and issues to consider – such as travel behavior changes following the COVID-19 pandemic, new technology advancements, and more extreme weather resulting from climate change. As a result, there is a vital need to look beyond specific transportation projects today and create a holistic vision for the future of transportation in our communities.
NYSDOT, in coordination with stakeholders from transportation agencies throughout the state, aims to create a Transportation Master Plan 2050 that will:
- Describe New York’s existing transportation system and how it is performing;
- Discuss key trends and issues affecting transportation that are anticipated to be important in the future;
- Identify transportation goals, objectives, and performance measures for tracking progress; and
- Define strategic directions, policies, and priorities for New York State’s multimodal transportation system.