by JayMan
A report issued by NYU states that New York City's economic development will stagnate if additional capacity is not added. Employment in the CBD has increased steadily overall since the 1970's but there have been no additional rail projects added in that time. Much of the transportation system today is near, at, or over capacity. Future development may be restricted without additional for commuters provided by investment in additional rail infrastructure.
Thus, the four major rail projects on the table, LIRR East Side Access, The Second Avenue Subway, NJT's Access to the Region's Core, and a new Lower Manhattan East River tunnel aren't just an indulgences to improve the quality of life for commuters but vital to sustain the economic growth of America's largest city – and even then may only provide a bare minimum of added transit capacity to meet the growth potential.
News article here, full report in pdf form here.
Thus, the four major rail projects on the table, LIRR East Side Access, The Second Avenue Subway, NJT's Access to the Region's Core, and a new Lower Manhattan East River tunnel aren't just an indulgences to improve the quality of life for commuters but vital to sustain the economic growth of America's largest city – and even then may only provide a bare minimum of added transit capacity to meet the growth potential.
News article here, full report in pdf form here.
JayMan
