Resources

We’re dedicated to providing policymakers and the public with original research and analysis that informs transportation decisions throughout the region. Our reports feature analysis of state and federal transportation projects and data, original research on transit, traffic safety, walking and cycling, tolling, and other transportation issues.

TitleSummaryCategoriesLink
Bidding for a Better Bee-Line: Bringing Westchester’s Bus System into the FutureDespite Westchester’s growing population and shifting travel patterns, the Bee-Line Bus System has barely changed at all. As a result, riders are stuck with an antiquated, inefficient, and unaccountable transit service, woefully inadequate for meeting today’s needs and tomorrow’s demands., ,
MTA 20-Year Needs Assessment MapEvery five years, the MTA takes a long-term look at the region’s transit and transportation needs. The result is the 20-Year Needs Assessment, a comprehensive strategy for the investments the MTA needs to make to rebuild and improve the existing system, and to expand and enhance the transit network., , ,
From Here to There: Regional Rail for Metro New York“Commuter” rail is dead. The NYC region needs a unified Regional Rail network, with frequent, all-day service, accessible stations, and modern electric trains. We could have a great transit system, but it all depends on Penn Station., , , , , ,
NYC Metro Area Bus Lane MapTSTC is working on several campaigns to expand bus priority projects in the tri-state area. With growing traffic congestion on the region’s roads and highways, dedicated bus lanes are an effective tool that makes service faster, more efficient, and reliable. Check out TSTC’s interactive map of bus priority projects., , , ,
The Buzz on the Bee-Line: A Collection of Rider Stories for a #BetterBeeLineIn October 2021, Tri-State Transportation Campaign launched a Westchester Bus rider survey, which asked riders questions about their experience with Bee-Line. We wanted to learn more about why riders use Bee-Line and listen to their concerns with the current system. This information is particularly useful as Westchester County conducts a bus network redesign for the Bee-Line system.,
Congestion Pricing: An Analysis of New Jersey Legislative Districts (2021)Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s fact sheets analyzing census commute and income data for 21 legislative districts in New Jersey.,
Alfresco NYCAs open streets and open restaurants become permanent in New York City, Alfresco NYC launched the Alfresco Awards to recognize the city’s best outdoor dining spaces and open streets, and celebrate street life across the five boroughs.,
New Jersey Transportation Investment MapUse this interactive map to see ideas for potential transportation investments and share your investment ideas with us!,
Tracking COVID-19 & TransitIs public transit a major contributor to COVID-19 outbreaks in New York City?,
Planning for a Climate Resilient Bus FleetThis report outlines the challenges and solutions for public transportation agencies transitioning to a climate resilient electric bus fleet., ,
Bus Riders’ Bill of RightsA ten-point bill that captures riders’ distress with New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit)-operated buses, sets standards for quality service and aims to improve the overall riding experience.,
Bus Lanes Are EssentialThis set of fact sheets is a comprehensive breakdown of New York City’s planned 20 miles of bus improvement projects, an analysis of bus routes that will benefit as a result, and the benefits to essential workers., ,
Back on Board: A Guide to Safe(r) Transit in the Era of COVID-19Aimed at public transit agencies, government officials, riders, and businesses, this report features over 50 recommendations to make transit safe for riders during and post-COVID.,
Riders’ Recommendations for the Post-COVID CommuteOver a thousand regular commuters in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania responded to our survey on what riders need to feel safe using public transit during and after the coronavirus pandemic.,
Rail and Road to RecoveryThe New Jersey Turnpike Authority plans to spend $16 billion on over 100 miles of highway widening projects. However, investing in public transit will produce more jobs, reduce traffic congestion, and help the state meet its clean energy goals., ,
NJ Transit Bus Rider Survey ResultsThis is the first time TSTC has surveyed bus riders about their commutes. At bus stops in Newark and Elizabeth, 250 riders were asked a series of questions about their experience with NJ Transit bus service.,
Build Trust: MTA 2020 Capital PlanAlong with our partners in the Build Trust coalition, Reinvent Albany, Riders Alliance, and TransitCenter, Tri-State compiled a briefing for policy makers and the public on the MTA 2020 Capital Plan., ,
The 2019 Cozy AwardsIn conjunction with NYPIRG’s Straphangers Campaign and TransitCenter, Tri-State analyzed the closest bus stop pairs in New York City in order to award the first-ever “Cozy Awards” to the closest-together stops in each borough–all of which were less than one city block apart., ,
A New Ride for New Jersey: Building a Better Bus SystemAs the foundation for TSTC’s “A New Ride for NJ” campaign, this report examines the current state of NJ Transit bus operations and provides recommendations to bolster ridership, improve the commuting experience, and increase transparency.,
Missing Links: Trail Development StrategiesThe Circuit Trails network is a prime example of how trails and greenways can play a leading role in our transportation network. Not only do they provide recreation and access to the outdoors, but they serve as a safe way for people to get to where they’re going on foot or by bike. The Missing Links report details some of the obstacles faced by trail developers in the Circuit Trails region and strategies they’ve used to overcome them., ,
Congestion Pricing: New York County-Level AnalysisTri-State Transportation Campaign’s fact sheets analyzing Census commute and income data for every borough and county within the service area in New York State.,
How Congestion Pricing Will Benefit Your NeighborhoodThe RPA and Tri-State Transportation Campaign released a series of fact sheets that show the benefits congestion pricing and full MTA funding will bring to specific neighborhoods throughout New York City. The fact sheets show riders what to expect if the Governor and State Legislature enact congestion pricing—and what they’ll miss out on if their elected officials fail to act. With the governor’s inclusion of congestion pricing in his annual budget, the focus turns to the Legislature.,
Congestion Pricing: Success in Other CitiesWe created a one-page fact sheet demonstrating the benefits of congestion pricing in London, Stockholm, and Singapore, and offer an analysis of the estimated benefits of congestion pricing in New York City. This fact sheet is based on our 2018 report, “A Way Forward for New York City: Road Pricing in London, Stockholm, and Singapore.”,
Hire Congestion, Lower SpeedsAs the City examines a cap on transportation network companies (TNCs) like Lyft and Uber, Tri-State Transportation Campaign analyzed Taxi and Limousine Commission data to determine whether TNCs serve lower-income communities at higher rates than yellow cabs. Finding that they do, we recommend congestion pricing as a fairer solution to congestion than a cap on TNC service., ,
NJ Transit: An Agency in Need of ReformIn order to recommend best practices for NJ Transit’s Board of Directors’ composition and duties, our report examines SEPTA, RIPTA, and MBTA, as well as other experts in transit agency governance, to arrive at a suite of recommendations for restructuring NJ Transit’s board.,
A New Way to RideReleased in conjunction with TransitCenter, our report and open letter to the MTA Board offers a series of rider-focused policy recommendations as the MTA develops the new fare payment system that will replace the MetroCard., ,
Congestion Pricing: An Analysis of New York Legislative Districts (2018)Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s fact sheets analyzing census commute and income data for NY State Assembly and Senate districts.,
Road Pricing in London, Stockholm, and SingaporeOur analysis of congestion pricing systems in three cities shows a way forward for New York City.,
Primed and Ready?This report examines the transit assets in New York City, Hartford, Newark and Philadelphia/Camden that could help or hurt their chances of attracting Amazon’s second headquarters.,
We’re Walking (and Biking) Here!An analysis of Long Island traffic crashes involving pedestrians and people on bikes. Includes fact sheets and maps.,
NICE Bus: Out of ServiceDespite clear economic benefits, Nassau County continues to shun responsibility for adequately maintaining its local transit system.,
How Car-Free is New York City?A fact sheet that includes car ownership, income and journey to work data for New York City and each of the five boroughs.,
The Region’s Most Dangerous Roads for WalkingThis analysis identifies the most dangerous roads (those with the most pedestrian fatalities from 2012 to 2014) in the tri-state region, and the locations and number of pedestrian fatalities for selected counties and boroughs in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. Includes fact sheets and maps.,
Third Annual LIRR Laggy AnalysisThe Laggy Analysis ranks those branches of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) with the greatest lost economic productivity, delay per rider and lost time., ,
What Lies Ahead: An Overview of NJDOT’s 2016 Capital ProgramAn analysis of the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) and New Jersey Transit’s (NJT) Transportation Capital Program for fiscal year 2016., ,
NJ Transit Fare History & Gas Tax ConsumptionThis series of fact sheets demonstrates how New Jersey Transit fares have outpaced inflation, while the real economic value of New Jersey’s gas tax has fallen.,
The Region’s Most Dangerous Roads for Walking (2015)This analysis identifies the most dangerous roads (those with the most pedestrian fatalities from 2011 to 2013) in the tri-state region, and the locations and number of pedestrian fatalities for selected counties and boroughs in Connecticut, New Jersey and downstate New York. Includes factsheets and interactive maps.,
Second Annual LIRR Laggy AnalysisThe Laggy Analysis ranks those branches of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) with the greatest lost economic productivity, delay per rider and lost time., ,
What Lies Ahead: An Overview of NJDOT’s 2015 Capital ProgramAn analysis of the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) and New Jersey Transit’s (NJT) Transportation Capital Program for fiscal year 2015., ,
Older Pedestrians at RiskTri-State’s 2014 analysis shows that older pedestrians are more likely to be killed while walking than their younger neighbors. The report includes county-specific fact sheets, along with suggestions for making tri-state area roads safer for all users.,
Fairfield County Pedestrian CrashesA groundbreaking analysis finds that in the three years from 2010 to 2012, over 1,100 people were injured or killed while walking in Fairfield County.,
The Region’s Most Dangerous Roads for Walking (2014)This analysis identifies the most dangerous roads (those with the most pedestrian fatalities from 2010 to 2012) in the tri-state region, and the locations and number of pedestrian fatalities for selected counties and boroughs in Connecticut, New Jersey and downstate New York. Includes fact sheets and online maps.,
The Economic Impact of Suburban Bus Service in Westchester and Nassau CountiesAn analysis of the impact of local and regional bus service on the economies of two downstate New York suburban counties., ,
Looking Ahead and Looking Back: An Examination of the NJDOT & NJT 2014 Capital Program (2013)An analysis of the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) and New Jersey Transit’s (NJT) Transportation Capital Program for fiscal year 2014., ,
New Jersey Complete Streets Liability PrimerAn overview of liability issues related to roadway planning and design in New Jersey. Includes benefits of Complete Streets designs and information about Complete Streets planning resources., ,
Tracking the Dollars: A Review of Transportation Spending in ConnecticutA review of Connecticut’s 2012-2015 statewide transportation improvement program (STIP) and what it says about Connecticut’s transportation priorities.,
Transit-Oriented Development Toolkit for ConnecticutA collaborative project by Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Partnership for Strong Communities, Regional Plan Association and Tri-State Transportation Campaign., ,
The Region’s Most Dangerous Roads for Walking (2013)This analysis identifies the most dangerous roads (those with the most pedestrian fatalities from 2009 to 2011) in the tri-state region, and the locations and number of pedestrian fatalities for selected counties and boroughs in Connecticut, New Jersey and downstate New York. Includes fact sheets and online maps.,
Pedestrian Fatalities in Southern New Jersey (2013)This report offers policy recommendations on how public agencies in New Jersey can improve tracking of pedestrian fatalities based upon demographic factors in order to target safety improvements to dangerous roadways in areas where residents are more likely to walk.,
Older Pedestrians at Risk (2013)Tri-State’s 2013 analysis shows that older pedestrians are more likely to be killed while walking than their younger neighbors. The report includes county-specific fact sheets, along with suggestions for making tri-state area roads safer for all users.,
Northern NJ’s Most Dangerous Roads for Biking (2012)From 2001 to 2011 there were 19,551 bicycle crashes in 13 Northern New Jersey counties (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren). Of these, 81 were fatal. All accidents are bicyclist-vehicle., ,
BK Gateway Transportation VisionPlanning for now and the next generation of Downtown Brooklyn. A report from Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council, Park Slope Civic Council, Boerum Hill Association and the Office of New York City Council member Letitia James., ,
Older Pedestrians at Risk (2012)Tri-State’s 2012 analysis shows that older pedestrians are more likely to be killed while walking than their younger neighbors. The report includes county-specific fact sheets, along with suggestions for making tri-state area roads safer for all users.,
Tracking State Transportation DollarsThis report breaks down each state’s transportation improvement program (known as a STIP), a federally mandated reporting document that lists all projects expected to be funded with federal dollars.,
What’s Ahead: An Examination of NJDOT’s 2013 Proposed Capital ProgramThis analysis of NJDOT’s proposed capital program finds that a trend towards funding new road capacity continues in New Jersey. The report calls attention to funding uncertainties looming over the agency and calls on the state to find more sustainable revenue sources for transportation., ,
Stuck at Home: How Cuts to Public Transit Disproportionately Hurt Seniors and Low-Income New YorkersShrinking dollars for transit means shrinking options for those who can least afford it, including low-income, senior, and other transit-dependent populations. This report analyzes transit ridership, how transit systems are being affected by the recession, and how shrinking transit service affects New Yorkers’ ability to stay mobile.,
The Region’s Most Dangerous Roads for Walking (2012)This analysis identifies the most dangerous roads (those with the most pedestrian fatalities from 2008 to 2010) in the tri-state region, and the locations and number of pedestrian fatalities for selected counties and boroughs in New Jersey, downstate New York, and Connecticut. Includes factsheets and online maps.,
Protecting Riders, Workers and Taxpayers in Nassau County: The Need for Answers in the Nassau County Bus ContractThis analysis of the proposed privatization of Nassau County’s bus service raises important questions about the potential for service cuts and fare hikes. The authors also express concern about the lack of public representation on the Transit Advisory Committee.,
Southern NJ’s Most Dangerous Roads for Biking (2011)From 2001 to 2010 there were 7,830 bicycle crashes in eight Southern New Jersey counties; 60 were fatal. Tri-State’s analysis indicates that these crashes were concentrated around specific roads. In particular, arterials – high speed roads that typically have two or more lanes going in both directions – were the most dangerous of all. The report includes county-by-county rankings, fact sheets and maps., ,
Why Privatizing Long Island Bus Could Cost Taxpayers MoreNassau County plans to privatize the Long Island Bus system by the end of 2011, supposedly to save money. But an examination of other transit systems run by the private companies that have bid to run LI Bus finds that they receive disproportionately more funding than what the county is proposing to contribute to the system. They also provide disproportionately fewer hours of service than what the MTA currently provides.,
Older Pedestrians at Risk (2011)Older pedestrians are far more likely to be killed while walking than their younger neighbors — and this is especially true in New Jersey, downstate New York, and Connecticut, where fatality rates for older pedestrians are far higher than in the rest of the country. Includes county-specific fact sheets.,
A Bumpy Road Ahead? A Close Look at NJDOT’s 2012 Capital ProgramThis analysis of New Jersey DOT’s 2012 capital program finds that road and bridge maintenance continue to make up the largest percentage of NJDOT’s capital program budget, but spending on road and bridge capacity expansion projects makes up the largest part of the program in nearly a decade, threatening to undermine the state’s “fix-it-first” goals. Funding for signature smart growth programs has been reduced or eliminated, while funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects has increased., ,
The Region’s Most Dangerous Roads for Walking (2011)This analysis identifies the most dangerous roads (those with the most pedestrian fatalities from 2007 to 2009) in the tri-state region, and the locations and number of pedestrian fatalities for selected counties and boroughs in New Jersey, downstate New York, and Connecticut. Includes fact sheets and online maps.,
More Than a Bandage for New Jersey’s Crumbling BridgesOver the past 10 years, New Jersey has made some progress in repairing deficient bridges. But the looming insolvency of the state’s Transportation Trust Fund could derail that progress. Without a sustainable source of long-term funding, New Jersey may have to defer critical bridge replacement, rehabilitation, and repair projects, and its backlog of deficient bridges will likely grow., ,
Older Pedestrians at Risk (2010)Older pedestrians are far more likely to be killed while walking than their younger neighbors — and this is especially true in New Jersey, downstate New York, and Connecticut, where fatality rates for older pedestrians are far higher than in the rest of the country. Includes county-specific fact sheets.,
State Transportation Reform: How Advocates Are WinningEven if major reforms are won in new federal transportation legislation, spending decisions will largely remain the purview of state officials. This report draws on interviews with over 20 transportation advocates to identify common challenges and key solutions to advancing transportation policy change at the state level.
Analysis of Connecticut’s Transportation Spending Shows More Balanced PrioritiesA new analysis of Connecticut’s 2010 to 2013 transportation spending plan reveals that the Connecticut Department of Transportation is spending more on road and bridge repair, public transportation, and cycling and walking projects.,
Monmouth University Poll on New Jersey’s Transportation Trust FundOver 70% of NJ residents are concerned about the impending bankruptcy of the state’s Transportation Trust Fund, which pays for New Jersey’s road, bridge, and transit projects, according to a Monmouth University poll commissioned by TSTC and NJ Future. Residents are evenly split on whether the state should increase transportation fees like the gas tax and tolls in order to address the crisis., ,
The Region’s Most Dangerous Roads for Walking (2010)This analysis identifies the most dangerous roads (those with the most pedestrian fatalities from 2006 to 2008) in the tri-state region, and the locations and number of pedestrian fatalities for selected counties and boroughs in New Jersey, downstate New York, and Connecticut. Includes fact sheets and online maps.,
The State of Transportation: Benchmarks for Sustainable Transportation in New JerseyNew Jerseyans are driving less and taking transit more, according to this update of a 2006 TSTC report. The report covers 25 different measures of transportation in the state, including infrastructure, service, travel choices, congestion, and crowding., ,
Express Route to Better Bus ServiceThis report recommends both short and long term measures to improve bus service across the Hudson, including a New Jersey-bound exclusive bus lane through the Lincoln Tunnel during evening rush hours, better online information on bus routes, and expediting a study which began in 2005 to increase road space for buses traveling to the Lincoln Tunnel during morning rush hours. The report also calls for the New York City Department of Transportation to develop a coordinated approach to managing the growth in interstate buses on city streets., ,
Smart Mobility Analysis of NJ Turnpike Widening FEISThis independent analysis shows that congestion relief on the New Jersey Turnpike can be achieved by less expensive and environmentally threatening methods than the planned expansion project. It highlights multiple errors in the NJ Turnpike Authority’s environmental review documents that overstate the need for the widening project. The report was prepared by Smart Mobility, Inc. and commissioned by TSTC.,
Spending the Stimulus: How Connecticut Can Put Thousands Back to Work by Jump-starting a 21st-Century Transportation SystemThis summary, co-released with Smart Growth America and ConnPIRG, provides a 10-item menu for how Connecticut can use stimulus dollars to make the transportation investments that address the state’s pressing needs.,
Older Pedestrians at Risk (2008)Older pedestrians are far more likely to be killed while walking than their younger neighbors, according to a new study by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. This is especially true in the tri-state region, where fatality rates for older pedestrians are far higher than in the rest of the country.,
Complete Streets: A National PerspectiveThis presentation, given at the 1000 Friends of Connecticut conference on Nov. 13, 2008, provides an overview of complete streets policies throughout the United States and describes what makes a complete streets policy strong., ,
Most Dangerous Roads (2008)This analysis identifies the most dangerous roads (those with the most pedestrian fatalities from 2005 to 2007) in the tri-state region, and the locations and number of pedestrian fatalities for selected counties and boroughs in New Jersey, downstate New York, and Connecticut.,
Skimping on Sidewalks 2008: An Analysis of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatalities in New JerseyThough pedestrian and cyclist deaths fell between 2007 and 2006, this report finds that NJ has made little progress towards a 1998 goal of halving ped/bike deaths by 2010 — and seniors are most at risk of dying as a pedestrian. The report also shows that municipal demand for bike/ped funding far exceeds the state’s ability to support those types of projects, with applications outstripping awards by almost 10-to-1. Includes fact sheets which break the data down by county., ,
Trouble Ahead? Tracking NJDOT’s Priorities (2008)This analysis of NJDOT’s fiscal year 2009 capital program shows a continued commitment to maintenance and repair, but finds a worrying trend of increased investment in highway expansion in coming years. Furthermore, progress on NJDOT’s smart growth projects has stalled. The report recommends that New Jersey resurrect legislation mandating a “fix-it-first” investment strategy for NJDOT, create a consistent “fix-it-first” policy for all state transportation agencies, re-examine the need for highway widening projects, and boost funding for the smart-growth NJFIT program and bike and pedestrian programs.,
Congestion Pricing: NYC Metropolitan Area Fact Sheets (2007)This examination of 2000 Census data showed that the vast majority of commuters in New York City and the surrounding suburban counties would not be affected by a congestion pricing fee because they do not drive alone to the proposed congestion pricing zone (Manhattan below 60th Street). The analysis also showed that vehicle-owning households throughout the region are wealthier than households without access to a vehicle.,
Skimping on Sidewalks: New Jersey’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Funding Deficit (2005)Though municipal demand for bicycling and pedestrian projects has soared since NJ issued its Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in 1995, the state is not even coming close to meeting this demand. This analysis of Bikeways, Safe Streets to School, and Transportation Enhancements funding applications and approvals for fiscal years 2003 to 2005 reveals that the state approved less than one-fourth of all submitted applications., ,
Still at Risk: Pedestrian Safety in New Jersey (2005)New Jersey made pedestrian and bicyclist safety a transportation priority beginning in 1995 with the publication of the Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. But a ten-year look at the trend in pedestrian fatalities reveals no perceptible reduction in pedestrian deaths, even as Census data shows fewer New Jersey residents walking.,
The Trucks Are Coming: What Growing Truck Traffic Will Mean for New Jersey’s Quality of Life (2005)New Jersey’s truck traffic is projected to grow by 80% over the next two decades, with enormous consequences for traffic safety, congestion, wear and tear on roads and bridges, air pollution, and public health. Recommendations include increased funding for rail freight, better planning of freight distribution, innovations like “shuttle trains.”,
The Open Road: The Region’s Coming Toll Revolution (2004)Around the region, transportation agencies are upgrading toll plazas to take advantage of the convenience, safety, economic, and pollution benefits of open-road (roll-through) tolling. The glaring exception is the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which still uses old-fashioned, stop-and-go barrier gates. This report reviews non-stop tolling practices in the region and recommends that the MTA implement a non-stop tolling demonstration project., ,
A Value-Pricing Toll Plan for the MTA: Saving Drivers Time While Generating Revenue (2003)This report by Charles Komanoff of Komanoff Energy Associates proposes enacting congestion-pricing or “value-pricing” on the MTA’s bridges and tunnels by charging a higher toll during peak hours as a means to increase revenue and reduce congestion on or near the MTA crossings.,
Crossroads: Highway Finance Subsidies in New Jersey (1995)This report describes in detail how New Jersey subsidizes driving. In total, government funding of roads in New Jersey totals $3.2 billion annually, but drivers pay only $2.5 billion for those roads. The report also determines the negative externalities caused by driving (which motorists do not compensate the state or the public for).,
Citizens’ Action Plan (1993)Tri-State’s founding document, this plan outlined the Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s initial vision and goals: “We envision a region in which lack of an automobile will limit no one’s opportunities, in which city and town centers thrive and open spaces remain intact, in which those who choose to walk or bicycle to their destinations will find safe and pleasant routes, where the air is fit to breathe and businesses and individuals are not taxed daily by congestion and system failure. Our aim is an environmentally sound, economically efficient, and equitable transportation system.”