We have delivered some of this region’s most transformative projects — like the New Jersey Turnpike widening, the Lower Passaic River restoration and New York City’s Green Infrastructure Program — projects that provide long-lasting benefits by reshaping our transportation networks, strengthening our water systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

These and many other ArchTam projects were implemented through our multidisciplinary capabilities as advisors, planners, designers, engineers and innovators. But they are ultimately successful due to our focus on building collaborative relationships with our clients, reaching out to project stakeholders and local residents and listening to their needs, and providing holistic evaluations and assessments before we even begin developing solutions. Our work modernizing New York Penn Station exemplifies the impact of our integrated, whole systems approach. We identified and addressed our client’s need for maximizing space at the underground station by innovatively raising the ceiling to significantly improve the experience for passengers moving through the transit hub, the busiest in the Western Hemisphere.   

Recently, we played an integral role completing other landmark transportation projects, including the instantly iconic Grand Central Madison Terminal. This new terminal brings direct Long Island Rail Road service to Manhattan’s East Side, reducing travel time and encouraging economic development. In New Jersey, the 1-million-square-foot, 33-gate Terminal A elevates air travel at Newark Liberty Airport with enhanced amenities and conveniences.

Because we live and work in communities across this region, we appreciate how better futures begin with improved opportunities. We partnered with Middlesex College and Middlesex County, in central New Jersey, to bridge the gap between gown and town by developing the Middlesex College Community, Innovation and Opportunity Strategic Master Plan, a transformative investment strategy that aligns with Middlesex County’s Destination 2040 Strategic Plan. Together, these plans lay the foundation for shared spaces that allow the campus and community to learn, live and grow, while furthering the area as a science and technology hub and enhancing career opportunities.

Another of our higher education projects, the recently opened STEM Center at Suffolk County Community College on Long Island, New York, also presents new employment possibilities — even as it helps address the increasingly urgent need for action on climate change. The net-zero building and teaching facility provides a hands-on experience in managing renewable energy systems, expanding options for students entering this emerging industry while encouraging the use of renewables across Long Island.

We continue to shape our neighborhoods and build sustainable legacies for generations to come with the launch of several recent and noteworthy projects. We are teaming with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to develop an energy carbon neutrality plan that will offset energy release at its 14 wastewater treatment plants and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent agency-wide by 2050. We’re taking the next step in our work with Middlesex County by leading the redevelopment of the historic New Brunswick Train Station, a critical gateway on the Northeast Corridor that will improve mobility and enable the county to continue fostering its economic development. Our ongoing work at JFK Airport, including the New Terminal One and Terminals 4, 6 and 8, is making air travel more comfortable and convenient. We are also building vital redundancy into our water networks through the Kensico Third Conveyance Tunnel in upstate New York.

With the next wave of groundbreaking projects on the horizon, we remain focused on the future — matching our best-in-class expertise and resources to implement solutions that improve the lives of the people today, while providing better living for tomorrow.

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In 2020 however, the transit system bore the brunt of the coronavirus. Ridership and the farebox revenue financing dropped precipitously, putting the transit system and New York City’s economy on the edge of viability. While now rebounding, New York City is continuing to face economic challenges, transit ridership is down 50 percent from 2019, and bringing back ridership will be an ongoing challenge, as the Global Workplace Analytics estimates that 25-30 percent of the workforce may continue to work from home multiple days a week. While decreases in ridership are real and pose an issue, the fact remains that many across New York City will continue to rely on our public transit system – and that its health is vital to the economic and cultural health of our city.

Although ridership may be tenuous, and some may question the wisdom of transit infrastructure investments, I believe that now is the time to invest in transit infrastructure. Simply put, the spending choices we make now will impact our city’s speed and the depth of its recovery. And in New York City, there is no better investment than our transit infrastructure. Here are four factors illustrating the importance of transit infrastructure investment in securing New York City’s future as a world city:

The economy. The wellspring of a healthy city is its economic condition. Infrastructure spending yields important economic dividends – with spending benefits that are even more significant when investing in transportation infrastructure. According to a study for the Business Round Table, an association of chief executives for the United States’ leading companies, every US$1 invested in transportation infrastructure returns US$3.54 in economic impact, a nearly 4:1 ratio, the result of improved efficiency and connectivity.

Developing jobs. As New York’s economy begins to rebound, unemployment is still a concern. Investing in transit infrastructure programs such as the Second Avenue Subway Phase II and an expansion and overhaul of Pennsylvania Station will improve regional connectivity while adding much needed job opportunities. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that every US$100 billion of infrastructure spending adds 1 million jobs. According to Duke University’s Center on Globalization, Governance and Competitiveness, this number doubles when projects are transit related.

Advancing transit’s future. New York City is home to one of the oldest subway systems in the world and incorporates a transit network with one of the world’s largest regional commuter rails. Continuing to modernize and invest in technology that manages density and encourages a return to transit ridership in the age of the coronavirus will keep this network, and in turn New York City’s economy, vibrant for years to come. ArchTam’s Transportation Resilient Integrated Passenger Solution (TRIPS) uses new and existing technologies to inform passengers’ decisions with real-time trip planning. It manages congestion at station platforms, and control boarding and alighting which ensures safe arrival at final destinations. The system also enables communication with operators and passengers to help manage transit density, increasing passenger comfort and system ridership.

Resiliency, sustainability and equity. The pandemic raised concerns about difficulties maintaining social distancing on the subway system, factors that some believe might reduce transit use; this however runs counter to New York City’s history. Many believe public transit usage and capacity – and notably on the subways – will continue to expand if we invest in strategies that address convenience, resiliency, sustainability and social equity.

There is an inextricable link between infrastructure investments, and equity, sustainability and resiliency. Programs and projects such as station flood gates promote resiliency, sustainability and transit equity by protecting transit capital investments from damages resulting from climate change and extreme weather. This also promotes equity by keeping the system operational for those relying on it, maintaining their ability to connect to work.

Investing in electrifying buses is one example of a key investment in equity. Implementing the use of these vehicles reduces greenhouse gas emissions that are related to issues of public health. This is particularly important for lower income neighborhoods where bus depots are typically located. Improving the health and well-being of its citizens through projects and programs that reduce emissions will leave lasting legacies to communities across New York City.

Act now. Investing in transit infrastructure affords New York City one of its best chances to stimulate its economy. And the time to act is now. The recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act affords us with the ability to reap long-term dividends and improve the system’s long-term health. Investments in subway, MetroNorth and Long Island Rail Road station accessibility and such projects as the Second Avenue Subway Phase II and East Side Access, which will deliver Long Island Rail Road service to Manhattan’s East Side will continue to improve equity, sustainability and in turn our city’s economy. As we continue to manage the coronavirus and its impacts, the economic health and well-being of our city’s residents should be our most pressing concern. The time to act is now.

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While the transit industry continues to hope for clarity, there are avenues that agencies can pursue to help shore up transit’s future, many stemming from tools that can gather and deliver information. On the passenger side, tools such as rider information applications can help revive rider confidence. For agencies, forecasting and scenario planning can enable informed decisions concerning funding, budget allocations and resources. These efforts together will help keep transit rolling by supporting healthy cities and thriving state economies.

Here are three ways that these tools can help cities maintain the health of their transit networks.

Instilling rider confidence

The future of transit is intrinsically linked to its ridership — which has dropped dramatically as a result of the pandemic. COVID-19 has taken a toll on riders’ confidence in transit safety, with many believing there is a connection between transit use and contracting the virus, despite reports refuting these links. A recent report from the American Public Transportation Association indicated there is no direct correlation between the use of public transit and contracting the coronavirus. The New York Times supports this statement, specifically highlighting conditions in New York City, stating that New Yorkers tend to practice social distancing as they travel on subways and buses while also wearing masks and avoiding talking, eating or drinking.

Regaining rider confidence is essential to the health of our transit systems. Transit agencies can help riders feel more comfortable by prioritizing system cleaning and disinfecting. This, along with providing clear passenger information can enable riders to safely schedule their trips and address their concerns. ArchTam provided cleaning and disinfection protocol guidance to Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to help protect against COVID-19.

While emphasizing the importance of wearing masks and practicing social distancing, transit agencies are also implementing technologies like automated passenger counting, touchless fare payment systems and integrated intelligent solutions to safeguard riders and workers. For passengers, ArchTam’s Transportation Resilient Integrated Passenger Solution (TRIPS) provides an integrated approach to safety by enabling riders to plan their rides for when there are fewer people using the system.

Offering options and information

Tools such as scenario planning — looking at potential occurrences and delivering insight related to different mobility conditions and budget allocations — are increasingly important. Scenario planning and forecasting tools such as ArchTam’s Mobilitics^TM provides agency executives with varied alternatives and up-to-date information giving them if/then scenarios to plan for appropriate mid-, short- and long-term budgetary allocations that can help maintain transit health beyond the short term. Investment is important to the next wave of transit advances — including electrification. Scenario planning can highlight risks and tradeoffs and help to balance immediate concerns with long-term goals.

Options and information are especially important as we continue to manage transit systems in the age of COVID-19, which to date is impacting how many passengers use transit and how. New Jersey Transit is employing ArchTam’s Mobilitics^TM scenario planning tool as well as near real-time anonymized cell phone data to understand behavioral changes, shifts in travel patterns and technology advancements. Together with data analysis, this informs current and future service enabling adjustments around technology and pandemic-related factors and allows for informed budgetary decisions.

Managing resources

Effective transit management can be challenging in the best of times and is even more so during a global pandemic. Agency executive officers, currently focusing available resources on their short-term survival options, may be left with little in reserve for mid- and long-range recovery. It is vital that they move past this thinking as quickly as is feasible and aggressively pivot to comprehensive planning and development of mid- and long-term funding solutions, which I discussed in my previous blog, “Transit Funding in the Age of COVID-19: IT’s Time to Think Beyond the Stimulus.”

In the meantime, scenario planning can help transit agencies develop appropriate resource and budget allocations by providing them with information needed to make the decisions that will put their systems on firmer footing now and in the future. Even in a more typical, everyday scenario, funding and investing in transit electrification has great bearing in equity, climate change and resilience.

These efforts, which are now even more important to the future of transit, require that agencies pursue a paradigm shift toward innovation for new revenue streams including the advancement of vehicle electrification as an essential support. Agencies are investing in electric buses as a means of cutting greenhouse gas emissions as well as the development of new jobs for skilled workers who can advance the infrastructure needed to support this next wave. ArchTam has experts in place to help with the analysis by highlighting risks and tradeoffs to help balance immediate needs and long-term goals.

As the pandemic continues, ridership will continue to fluctuate, and transit agencies will be hard pressed to determine the appropriate short- and long-term investments and budget allocations for their respective systems. Transparency with riders, combined with adherence to disinfectant protocols and the use of scenario planning tools, can help ensure that they maintain the resources that support ridership in the present as well as in the years to come.

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One potential consideration is an increased focus on the transition to transit electrification. Advancing electrification can play a key role in developing new funding options while also improving transit system efficiency, bringing significant operational savings and environmental benefits to our communities.

Building the case for thriving transit systems

Healthy public transportation networks move people across urban areas and provide so much more than just transportation. Transit systems are intrinsically related to economic development, social equity and sustainability — all of which are vital to maintaining prosperous urban environments and communities. According to the American Public Transportation Association, there is a $4 return on investment for every $1 invested in transit, every $1 billion invested creates 50,000 jobs and a $10 million investment in public transit generates about $32 million in increased business sales and residential property values for homes located near public transit. According to a University of Massachusetts Amherst study, each $1 million invested in transit bus electrification will create 14 new jobs. In short, the hidden economic value of public transit could be up to $1.8 billion per city. Public transit, even in its traditional internal combustion form, produces less air pollution per passenger mile than a single driver car. Electrified vehicles can further reduce that rate.

Here are three ways to advance transit funding during the COVID-19 pandemic and why transit — particularly electrified transit — matters.

1. Build in equity, resiliency and sustainability
Incorporating elements that provide equity, sustainability and resiliency into your transit project can improve funding potential and broaden grant eligibility. These elements are key for new transit projects as their initial incorporation will eliminate retrofitting costs, reducing overall project expenditures. Developing projects with these elements also holds a financial incentive as they involve relatively new industries, such as grid adaptation, that will create jobs — a vital factor in this time of major city and state unemployment. Elements incorporating sustainability and resiliency can protect transit from the stresses of extreme weather and climate change while providing equity in the form of continued mobility access.

2. Play the long game, amp up electrification
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many transit agencies across the U.S. had begun moving toward transit electrification, specifically by transitioning to electric buses. Despite the pandemic, these commitments remain unchanged. It’s estimated that by 2030 more than 25 percent of the United States’ bus fleets could be electric. Transit electrification may offer the potential for additional funding options while benefitting the communities that these systems serve. With day-to-day funding at issue, it may seem unrealistic to ask transit agencies to invest in electrification but investing in electrification creates jobs, advancing city and state economies and in the long term can generate significant savings for bus fueling and maintenance, helping with future transit financing. Electrification also helps with issues of social equity and sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to climate change and public health, particularly in low-income neighborhoods where personal vehicles may be slower to convert but may house fleet routes or bus maintenance facilities. ArchTam’s expertise in cities, transportation, energy, sustainability and resiliency can increase the possibility of project funding and community improvement. We have worked with transportation agencies like the Fresno County Rural Transit Authority in California to model and forecast the future of electrification, identifying opportunities where policies that focus on bringing equitable change to underserved communities can be established.

3. Take a fresh look at legislation
With current means of funding transit proving unequal to the task, it’s time to change the measures that fund transit. Public-private partnerships are just one means of providing funding support. These kinds of partnerships could in the future enable technology and infrastructure companies to own and operate charging infrastructure for transit agencies, a model that has already been tested with charging infrastructure for private vehicles. These arrangements could also promote electrification by providing tax credits to the private sector whenever they make infrastructure investment improvements that advance electrification. ArchTam has the technical expertise to provide recommendation on policy, incentive and even utility tariff changes that can support and accelerate bus fleet electrification.

There are no easy solutions to the issues of transit funding in the age of COVID-19, but with historic, drastic issues cutting across capital and operations funding, doing nothing is not an option. Researching and making informed and well-thought-out decisions will protect transit and the communities that it serves while advancing city and state economies in a time of uncertainty and unemployment. Now is the time to act.

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