The Tappan Zee Bridge replacement study released ridership and cost estimates for various mass transit options crossing a new Tappan Zee bridge last week in a public meeting. The findings are intended to help project planners narrow the list of 15 alternatives to 4-5 options by July.

According to the Journal-News, Westchester groups are voicing complaints that the study is too focused on connecting Rockland and Orange counties to Manhattan, rather than providing a transit link over the Hudson River between Rockland bedroom communities and Westchester work centers. Meanwhile, the Rockland Business Association is rallying for a one-seat ride into Manhattan (along with a dubious connection to Stewart Airport), saying the service is vital for Rockland to "realize its economic future," Secaucus Junction notwithstanding. According to study data, most (51%) of the commuters crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge in the morning end up in Westchester, with most (65%) beginning trips in Rockland or Orange County. Only 7% who cross the bridge end up in Manhattan, with 21% traveling to the other four boroughs in the city.

Commuter rail service from west of the Hudson to Manhattan via the Tappan Zee looks like it would only be a minute or two shorter than options that currently exist, offering a 51-minute commute from Suffern to Grand Central. The current trip from Suffern to Penn Station using Secaucus can be as short as 52 minutes, according to NJ Transit schedules; the NJ PATH connection to midtown is about 53 minutes, according to the Journal-News. Four or so new commuter rail stations would be "park and ride" facilities with most people arriving by car.

Bus rapid transit and light rail are more flexible, with BRT having

considerably more stations than commuter rail. The stations could be closer to transit trip origins and destinations. It is unclear how many riders in each of these options will be new transit riders that decide the new service is a better option than their car.

It is possible that a new tunnel under the Hudson will be eliminated in the next round. This option is racked with huge costs and environmental concerns, including the demolition of up to 75 acres of wetland and upland areas, the controversial placement of tunnel ventilation systems, and the elimination of exits 9, 10 and 11 on I-287 because of grade issues.