Albany and New York City can seem worlds apart, but when it comes to transportation woes, there may be more similarities than differences. At a September 21 forum held at the Albany Public Library, “Fighting for Greater Transportation Equity in New York State,” the dire situation for transportation funding and the need for safer, more complete streets was on the top of both downstate and upstate advocates’ agendas. Uniting these voices, one of the goals of the forum, will be crucial to advancing sustainable and equitable transportation policies in the future.
Sponsored by the New York State Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA), the event attracted a diverse group of over 40 attendees. There was a good showing from local and state-level decision and policy makers—including three members of the Albany Common Council, a representative from the Capital District Transit Authority (CDTA), the Capital District Transportation Committee (the local metropolitan planning organization) and a senior policy analyst from the NYS legislature. Albany advocates for better public transit and bicycling were also out in force—including representatives from Citizens for Public Transportation, NY Public Transit Association, and the Albany Bicycling Coalition.
After a brief presentation by NYSTEA members, there was a lively dialogue about state and federal funding issues, the next steps in the implementation of the Smart Growth Public Infrastructure law, and the need for transportation alternatives between Albany and Saratoga, which is growing fast. The 2008 CDTA transit fare hikes had initially mobilized many in the room, and there was concern that stalled state and federal revenues, from sources such as the gas tax, would continue to impact transit riders. In a town without Zipcar, some also expressed the need to implement more options—such as a car-sharing program, possibly a nonprofit one.
According to Leah Golby, a co-sponsor of the event from Capital Region Transit Advocates, Albany advocates and local decision-makers have developed a strong relationship while working on local transportation issues, but have not necessarily worked in concert on statewide or federal issues. The forum provided an opportunity for New York City and Albany-based transportation advocates to share their experiences, and to open the dialogue about how to join forces in the future. The NYSTEA coalition currently has over 75 member organizations—adding Albany voices will be crucial for the battles ahead.
