Purpose: To modify transportation output measures by directing that performance indicators and targets be better-suited for assessing progress toward reduced automobile congestion and increased reliance on sustainable transit.

The Department of Transportation has developed performance indicators and targets that emphasize sustainability by acknowledging the need to generate less pollution and promote “high performance” modes of transportation like buses, ferries, biking and walking. The City Council directed these actions through Local Law 23 to replace an activity-based monitoring system (e.g. counting pothole repairs) with a performance-based model (e.g. tracking increases in pedestrian safety). Requiring monitoring of these indicators before and after major projects are completed will allow the Department and the public to better assess the effectiveness of the work. The indicators and targets are designed to measure performance with respect to reducing driving trips to central business districts, exposure to emissions and commute times, and increase walking, biking, use of mass transit, parking availability and efficiency of commercial traffic.

Having closely aligned the Department’s priorities with other citywide sustainability initiatives, the focus on “high performance” modes has inspired many actions since the law was adopted. The low cost requirements and temporary nature of many bike- and pedestrian-friendly improvements have allowed projects to move forward quickly, as a part of the Department’s regular operating budget. These rapid changes have captured the attention of national newspapers and been the source of both pride and disdain for residents. To ensure that these sustainability improvements are constructed to the liking of the communities they seek to enhance, the City Council later approved legislation that requires the Department of Transportation to consult with Community Boards, the Police Department, the Fire Department, Small Business Services, and the Office for People with Disabilities for all projects that add or remove travel or parking lanes for more than four blocks, and for any project proposing a bike lane.

Department of Transportation’s strategic plan, “Sustainable Streets,” addresses issues of safety, mobility, world class streets, infrastructure, greening, customer service, and global leadership. The performance-monitoring requirement has taken form as an annual strategic plan progress report, the “Sustainable Streets Index.” The Index more than fulfills the monitoring and goal-setting requirements; the reports underscore the value of strengthening sustainable transit. The first three Index reports have also aided in sustaining momentum toward meeting the Department’s future targets. For example, documenting the 2000-2010 262% increase in commuter cycling and cyclist safety trends have justified the need to further develop bike infrastructure.

The Financial Impact Statement submitted to the City Council concludes that there is no impact on revenues resulting from this legislation.