Whether it’s how transit is funded,  how streets are designed, or how traffic safety is enforced, elected officials play a key role in setting transportation policy, one which is larger than many members of the public realize. Ahead of this year’s New York state elections, TSTC and Transportation Alternatives are organizing two initiatives to get candidates on the record.

The first is the New York Transportation Survey, an online database of answers to a transportation survey sent to gubernatorial and legislative candidates in the downstate region. Survey questions covered traffic safety and enforcement; truck traffic; and funding for transit, bike and pedestrian projects, and road and bridge repair. Results from candidates running in city races are now online. (More results from city candidates, and all survey responses from outside the city, will be posted later this month.)

The second is a series of candidate forums, focused on transportation, occuring throughout the region. Transportation Alternatives has organized the first three, in key State Senate races in NYC ahead of the primary elections.

Tonight, State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada’s challengers Gustavo Rivera and Dan Padernacht stand on the issues. Senator Espada reportedly won’t be there. Last year, Sen. Espada was one of four state senators that led opposition to tolling the East and Harlem River bridges in order to fund transit, though he later changed his mind. The debate runs from 7-9 pm at the Fordham Evangelical Lutheran Church on 2430 Walton Ave. in the Bronx; Picture the Homeless is co-hosting and the Bronx News Network will moderate.

Tomorrow, September 2, Sen. Shirley Huntley and challenger Lynn Nunes will talk it out from 7-9 pm at the Fairfield Pavilion on 133-10 101st Avenue in Richmond Hill, Queens. The debate is moderated by Clare Trapasso of the NY Daily News.

Finally, next Tuesday, September 7, Manhattanites will have a chance to hear from the challengers for Sen. Eric Schneiderman’s to-be-vacant seat in the 31st District: Confirmed attendees include Assemblymember Adriano Espaillat, Mark Levine, and Miosotis Munoz. 7-9 pm at the Armory Foundation, 216 Fort Washington Avenue (between 168th & 169th Streets). Assm. Espaillat supported New York City’s congestion pricing plan in 2008, but opposed tolling the East and Harlem River bridges in 2009. WE ACT for Environmental Justice and the Upper West Side Renaissance will co-host; West Side Spirit reporter Dan Rivoli and Columbia professor David King will moderate.