A 28-member Mass Transit Task Force was named today to look at transit options for the new bridge to replace the Tappan Zee Bridge.
New York State Thruway Authority Board Chairman Howard P. Milstein said the Mass Transit Task Force will work to identify short, medium and long term transit solutions for the bridge and the I-287 corridor in Westchester and Rockland Counties. He said the panel will also develop funding strategies to implement and sustain transit operations and create a corridor management plan to ensure a viable transit program for the area.
“Governor Cuomo is committed to making sure the new bridge we build serves the needs of the Westchester and Rockland Counties and the lower Hudson Valley,” said Milstein. “The first step is replacing the Tappan Zee, which has no transit capacity, with a new bridge that is ready to handle mass transit right away as a foundation. At the same time that we are building this new bridge, the mass transit task force will be working on finding the best transit options for local communities. Their recommendations will help us make informed decisions about what options on the bridge and in our communities make the most sense and how we can most effectively support our regional economy and address long-term transportation needs.”
The members of the Mass Transit Task Force are:
- Rob Astorino, Westchester County Executive
- Scott Baird, Nyack Chamber of Commerce
- David Carlucci, Member, New York State Senate
- Peter Casper, New York State Thruway Authority
- Harriet Cornell, Chairwoman, Rockland County Legislature
- Jan Degenshein, architect and planner, former Chairman, Rockland Business Association
- Jonathan Drapkin, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress
- Tish Dubow, Mayor, Village of South Nyack
- Kristine Edwards, New York State Department of Transportation
- Drew Fixell, Mayor, Village of Tarrytown
- Marsha Gordon, Business Council of Westchester County
- Ellen Jaffee, Member, New York State Assembly
- Thomas Madison, Executive Director, New York State Thruway Authority
- Joan McDonald, Commissioner, New York State Department of Transportation
- John Nonna, Board Member, Westchester League of Conservation Voters
- Larry Salley, former Westchester County Transportation Commissioner
- Veronica Vanterpool, TriState Transportation Campaign
- Amy Paulin, Member, New York State Assembly
- Karen Rae, Deputy Secretary to the Governor for Transportation
- Tom Roach, Mayor, City of White Plains
- Mark Roche, ARUP Engineering
- Christopher St. Lawrence, Supervisor Town of Ramapo
- Brandon Sall, Board Member, New York State Thruway Authority
- Mary Jane Shimsky, Member, Westchester Board of Legislators
- Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Member, New York State Senate
- C. Scott Vanderhoef, Rockland County Executive
- Jen White, Mayor, Village of Nyack
- Robert Yaro, President, Regional Plan Association
“The new bridge that is being built to replace the Tappan Zee is central to the long-term economic well-being of the entire region and mass transit will be a vital component for the bridge and the entire I-287 corridor," said Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "I am pleased to participate in the process to decide the best mass transit options for our communities and pleased also that this process is not an afterthought in the building of the new bridge. We’re not waiting five years to discuss mass transit plans, we’re moving forward now.”
The requirements for the new bridge to replace the Tappan Zee will ensure the new bridge can accommodate bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail or commuter rail.
The Mass Transit Task Force will have one year to complete its work and make recommendations.
“Rockland County has limited choices for commuters and new transit options are essential for the long-term vitality and livability of our communities," said Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef. "Any discussion of mass transit on the new bridge must consider the needs of county residents, and I am glad to participate on the panel and continue to ensure that our voices are heard.”
