TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

Achieving the objectives of the TCI demands better public transit. Period. Noting that the stated objectives of New York's TCI plan are to "reduce emissions, boost the economy, improve public health, and achieve fair and equitable outcomes for underserved communities," Citizens for Regional Transit implores our public servants to use the revenues derived from the proposed Cap & Invest initiative to invest in expanding mass transit in a region as densely populated as Western New York. The transportation sector is the largest contributor of carbon emmisions, and sixty percent of our transportation-generated carbon emissions come from light vehicles (cars), while only 3-4% come from buses. Thus, while the electrification of buses is welcome, we are not going to make much progress reducing our carbon footprint if vehicle miles traveled in cars is not dramatically reduced---which, in turn, cannot happen unless motorists are provided with viable transit alternatives to commuting by car. Given the relatively small proportion of carbon emissions from buses, this holds true whether or not buses are electrified. We need to improve the transit alternative to reduce VMT in order to reduce carbon emissions. Even the electrification of cars does nothing to reduce congestion, eliminate the demand for more and more environment-damaging parking, and puts more demand on the electrical grid that will have to rely more heavily on carbon-based sources.

Expanding public transportation for all not only stands to reduce carbon emissions from transportation, but simultaneously improves mobility options and equitable access for seniors, the disabled, and low-income communities. It also spurs economic growth by attracting transit-oriented development and delivering employees and customers to businesses. Numerous studies also show benefits to public health when access to public transportation promotes walkable and bikeable communities while reducing air pollution. In short, expanding mass transit would support all of New York's TCI investment goals.

Citizens for Regional Transit advocates for a comprehensive multimodal mobility system, but especially promotes expansion of our zero-emissions light rail rapid transit, which runs on clean hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls. Buffalo's Metro Rail was originally designed to serve the entire region via a 46-mile network of lines on publicly-owned but disused railroad rights-of-way. Expansion is still possible to the north, east, and south of our downtown, collecting passengers at Park-and-Ride lots and whisking them above ground to centers of employment, education, culture and commerce faster than they could hope to drive; and does this with zero carbon emissions. We hope to see legacy railroad infrastructure adapted to 21st century needs, both for commuter and intercity travel.