Lower Hudson Transit Link Program

Newsletter 1Spring 2016

Phase 1 is Rolling Forward!The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is sponsoring the Lower Hudson Transit Link program (LHTL). The first phase of the program was initiated in late 2015 and is scheduled to be in operation in 2018 when the new bridge is completed.

Project GoalsThe goals of the infrastructure improvements and transit priority enhancements are to:

• Improve reliability and safety for travelers• Improve the availability, accessibility, and

quality of transit services in the Lower Hudson Valley

• Reduce travel times along the I-287 corridor for buses and other vehicles

• Increase access to jobs, housing, and other transportation systems

• Increase the attractiveness, utilization, and quality of regional inter-county transit services

• Complement investments made in building the New NY Bridge (NNYB)

• Increase environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness

Study Area

The first phase of the LHTL is being developed along the New York State I-287 corridor between Suffern to the west and White Plains to the east. The LHTL also includes infrastructure and service enhancements along Route 59 in

Rockland County and Route 119 in Westchester County.

Welcome Message

On behalf of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, I am pleased to share with you the first issue of the Lower Hudson Transit Link newsletter. Public outreach is an important part of all our projects, and this newsletter will help us keep you updated on the Lower Hudson Transit Link (LHTL) as it progresses. This project includes state-of-the-art technology and innovative transportation strategies to improve regional mobility in one of the largest multi-modal improvement projects in the agency’s history. Safety improvements support walkability, enhanced transit service increases travel options, and the Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) system reduces congestion along the corridor. Governor Cuomo knows a modern transportation network is critical in supporting a strong economy, and the LHTL will limit delays for commuters and make the region more attractive for economic development.

Matthew J. Driscoll, Commissioner New York State Department of Transportation

Project ElementsThe LHTL proposed program improvements include:

• Pedestrian safety and access improvements – making it safer and easier for users of all ages and modes – along the corridors

• New bus stations and passenger amenities, including off-board fare collection

• New transit service featuring state-of-the-art vehicles

• Smart traffic signals that adapt to traffic conditions in real time

• An Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) system that will optimize the operation and performance of the corridor and new transit service.

Public InvolvementNYSDOT is committed to a dynamic and thorough community outreach process.

In December 2012, at the request of Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYSDOT and the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) convened the Mass Transit Task Force (MTTF), a 31-member body of stakeholders from across the region, and asked them to put forward a transit proposal that could be implemented by opening day of the New NY Bridge (NNYB). The LHTL builds on that planning, and the NYSDOT Project Team continues to engage local and regional stakeholders to discuss technical issues and transit operations in the corridor. These advisory groups include representation from both Rockland and Westchester Counties, and topics include vehicle procurement, the intersection between ICM and transit, the implementation of transit infrastructure, and service planning in the corridor.

In addition, open houses and outreach events will be held to provide progress updates and answer questions. The program website and regular e-newsletters will also inform interested stakeholders as the program moves forward.

For More Information

Visit the project website: www.dot.ny.gov/LHTL

Sign up for the e-newsletter and program updates at: www.dot.ny.gov/LHTL/ContactUs

Send us questions and comments:LHTL@dot.ny.gov

Attend a Public Open House

Westchester CountyMonday, May 16, 20166:00 – 8:00 pmWhite Plains Public LibraryAuditorium100 Martine AvenueWhite Plains, NY 10601

Rockland CountyThursday, May 19, 20166:00 – 8:00 pmNyack CenterAuditorium58 Depew AvenueNyack, NY 10960

Program Partners

Lower Hudson Transit Link Program

The NYSDOT LHTL program partners include:

• US Department of Transportation• New York State Thruway Authority• Rockland County• Westchester County• City of White Plains• Other local and regional agencies