International Speedway Corp. recently purchased a 675-acre former industrial site in Staten Island to develop its newest NASCAR speedway. The choice seemed ironic at first, given Staten Island’s legendary traffic problems and high degree of car dependence. But unlike any other large-scale entertainment or other type of developer in the city, NASCAR has worked out an innovative plan to bring 80,000 fans per event to its chosen site.

While NASCAR might not be everyone’s speed, the company has proposed a smart plan that uses computerized ticketing and strict site control to link ticket sales and travel method. Event tickets will come with a mode of travel to the site built in, and modes will be nontransferable. The site will have 8,400 parking spaces, with preference given to Staten Islanders. Anyone who doesn’t reserve one of those spaces will be required to take buses or ferries. A new ferry slip will be constructed on the Arthur Kill. A bus lot close to the speedway will accommodate approximately 950 buses. NASCAR has plans to subcontract "park-and-ride" and "park-and-sail" arrangements at sites like Belmont Racetrack and NJ Transit station lots, and rent buses and ferries from government and private entities. The EIS for the project will show whether the regional boat and bus supply is large enough.

Approximately 35% of attendees are expected to ride ferries, 44% will take buses, and 21% will drive (at an average rate of two people per car). Race track officials say on–site enforcement of travel rules will be strict.

If this ambitious plan can be shown to work, some may consider the 620,000 square foot retail aspect of the NASCAR site plan more controversial transportation-wise than the speedway itself. In contrast to the three big race events per year, the new mall near West Shore/Staten Island Expressway interchange will create a 365-day traffic impact. 

MTR back issues:

Go to index of all Mobilizing the Region back issues.