New York City’s growth has been borne on the back of a steadily improving transit system. That’s the implication of a recently released NYCDOT report, Sustainable Streets Index 2008, that found that although NYC continued to grow between 2003 and 2007, traffic actually declined. Subway and bus ridership increased almost 9% in the same period. (The report is the result of the passage of Intro 199 — now Local Law 23 — which requires NYCDOT to measure progress towards sustainability goals; see MTR # 550.)

The region’s transit network was able to absorb the increase because investment in the system made it larger, more attractive, and (in one case) cheaper. Between 1996 and 2007:

• Metrocard was introduced, which allowed free transfers between buses and the subway system. Weekly and monthly Metrocards brought the cost of a ride down even further.
• Full four-track subway service was restored to the Manhattan Bridge for the first time since 1986, resulting in major improvements to Brooklyn service. The V train was created after the opening of the 63rd Street Connector tunnel. The Port Authority also opened the JFK Airtrain in Queens.
• The first articulated (accordion-style) buses began service in NYC. New subway cars with clear announcements and digital route maps were introduced throughout the system.
• Outside of NYC, Metro-North completed a third track on a portion of the Harlem Line, allowing it to run more trains. NJ Transit opened the Secaucus Junction transfer station, making it more convenient for many New Jerseyans to commute to NYC.

NYCDOT deputy commissioner Bruce Schaller, who wrote the report, said in the NY Times that transit-oriented development around subway stations and reduced transit crime had also helped grow ridership.

So far, system improvements continue, with the most recent being a new-and-improved South Ferry subway station that will open next month. But the MTA’s service quality is poised to fall off a cliff, potentially taking the city’s economy with it. Tomorrow morning, the MTA board is expected to approve a doomsday budget including massive fare hikes and service cuts, to take effect in March. State elected officials need to pass the Ravitch Commission plan — or find another way to fill the funding gap — before that happens.