New York transportation legislation increases contributions to Complete Streets program, diversifies transit boards

In an effort to better support pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation that increases funding for Complete Streets projects and requires regional transportation boards to open up voting seats for transit-dependent people.

“Whether you’re on the sidewalk, in the bike lane or riding the bus, you deserve a high-quality trip that gets you safely to your destination,” Hochul said in a statement about the measure. “Transportation is all about connections: bringing people closer to their jobs, their homes and the people they love. I’m proud to sign two new laws that will make our streets safer and our communities more connected.”

The first piece of legislation, called the Complete Streets Funding bill, bumps up the state’s contribution to non-federally funded portions of Complete Street projects to 87.5 percent. Qualifying projects take a “holistic approach to street design,” the statement says. They’re constructed in a way that considers the safety and convenience of all roadway users to make transportations safer and cleaner.

With the rate of roadway deaths a major concern among local city and county administrators—deaths persisted last year at “egregiously high levels,” according to the Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety’s annual 2023 “Roadmap to Safety” report—the Complete Streets initiative aims to make American roads safer for everyone.

This includes bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists and public transportation riders of all ages, mobilities and abilities, including the elderly, children and those with disabilities.

“This law will empower local governments to pursue more of these projects by reducing their cost burden and increasing the state’s share of funding for these projects. If our goal is to build strong, multi-modal walkable communities while reducing transportation-sector emissions, complete street design is a proven component for achieving that objective,” said Patricia Fahy, assemblymember for New York State’s 109th District.

The second piece of legislation is crafted to bring diverse perspectives to the boards of various state transportation authorities by requiring them to open up seats for representatives who are transit dependent. Services include bikeshares and buses, among other modalities, and annually cover hundreds of thousands of miles. The legislation is intended to give a voice to riders who permanently rely on these services and will improve governance within these authorities.

“In a region like ours, in which transportation is mostly focused on personal car ownership, it is imperative that we craft long-term solutions for those who remain unable to drive,” said Jonathan D. Rivera, assemblymember for New York State’s 149th Assembly District. “Many of the decisions regarding the re-routing and terminating of bus services, and the increasing of rates, have been made without input or representation from those directly affected. This bill will give a voice to the disabled community by allowing them a direct say in all matters related to our region’s public transportation progress.”

The steps have been broadly lauded by transportation advocates such as the advocacy group Transportation Alternatives. The legislation was put forward as part of a package of bills from the NYS Safe Streets Coalition, a statewide coalition comprised of more than 100 street safety advocates, public health groups, major hospitals, community organizations and elected officials.

“The Complete Streets Funding bill empowers cities and towns across the state to invest in safe streets infrastructure that is proven to keep everyone on our roads safe,” said Elizabeth Adams, senior director at Transportation Alternatives Advocacy and Organizing. “Traffic violence is preventable, and this legislation gives communities another tool to combat this public health crisis.”