Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #18-052
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Contact: Scot Gastel/Alana Morales (212) 839-4850
Fighting Congestion: DOT Announces Expansion of “Gridlock Alert,” with Drivers Strongly Encouraged to Avoid Manhattan During United Nations General Assembly
For first time, new multi-media campaign starting today notifies drivers that they should avoid Midtown streets from September 24th to October 1st, when traffic speeds decline to slowest of the year; Gridlock Alert discounts will be available on Citi Bike and Via
NEW YORK – The New York City Department of Transportation announced today that New York City would for the first time expand the City’s Gridlock Alert days to this year include the week of the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for September 24th to October 1st. Data from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) note that travel speeds in the Midtown Central Business District on those days are slower than on the ten traditional Gridlock Alert days around the November and December holidays. De Blasio Administration officials presented a new and expanded multi-media public-awareness campaign for the six busiest weekdays of the General Assembly, sharing facts about slower travel and encouraging drivers to use other travel options, including discounted rides with Citi Bike and Via.
“The U.N. General Assembly creates some of Manhattan’s most congested days of the entire year, so we are asking drivers who can to leave their cars at home – and to walk, bike or take the train,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “These brand-new Gridlock Alert days include creative new approaches that will help us reduce traffic, frustration and stress for all New Yorkers. And with us getting the word out a week early and giving them alternatives, drivers will be better able to plan and be part of the solution.”
“For more than 70 years, New York City has proudly hosted the United Nations, which anchors our position as home to the world’s largest diplomatic community,” said Penny Abeywardena, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs. “We welcome the enormous contributions the United Nations makes to the fabric of our city every September and throughout the year, and we also take seriously the concerns of New Yorkers whose routines are affected by the opening of the UN General Assembly. This initiative to provide advance notification to drivers will help ensure a safe and productive UN General Assembly experience for everyone, as New York City and the UN continue our shared work toward a fairer and more sustainable world.”
“With New York City slowing to a crawl during General Assembly week, expanded Gridlock Alerts will be an important tool for all drivers,” said TLC Commissioner Meera Joshi. “But it will have a special value to the professionals who drive our city’s taxis and for-hire vehicles.”
According to DOT and TLC data, the days during the General Assembly are among the slowest for travel within Manhattan for the entire year. During last year’s UN General Assembly weekday in Midtown’s Central Business District, average speeds slowed to about 3 MPH, which means that it took up to 20 minutes to travel a mile. Last year, the slowest day for traffic within the CBD for the entire year was September 18, 2017, the Monday of UN General Assembly week.
The new Gridlock Alert Days feature the following elements:
New Gridlock Alert Days during General Assembly – During 2018 and for the first time, the six weekdays when the U.N. General Assembly is in session (September 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and October 1) will supplement the ten Gridlock Alert days already scheduled for November and December.
Radio and Digital Messaging – Prior to both the General Assembly days and the late fall Gridlock Alert days; New York City will pilot a new $500,000 multi-media campaign to encourage drivers to find alternative transport modes, funded as part of the Mayor’s efforts to fight congestion. The messaging, provided a week prior to the days themselves, will note that “your drive through Midtown will take three times as long” and will encourage drivers to “walk, bike or use public transportation.” The messages will run during drive-time traffic reports on radio as well as in targeted online digital ads.
Citi Bike Discounts and Special Gridlock Plans – To encourage cycling during the General Assembly, Citi Bike is offering a 50% discount on its 3-day pass from September 24 to October 1. For the same price as a 1-day pass, individuals will be able to take unlimited 30-minute rides over a 3 day period for only $12. Additionally, Citi Bike will adding additional support for valet stations in Midtown and Bike Angel bonuses to be announced over social media in the coming days.
Discounts on Ride-Sharing with Via – To have more New Yorkers consider sharing rides to cut down on single-occupant trips, Via matches multiple passengers headed in the same direction, and provides an inexpensive and convenient transportation alternative. During General Assembly week, Via will offer 50% off each additional passenger for rides within Manhattan. To receive the discount, riders should use the promo code GRIDLOCK from September 24th through October 1st.
Parking Discounts – Between September 24 and October 1st, Citi Field in Flushing, Queens will offer $5 parking in lots adjacent to the 7 Train, including game days, for those parked before noon.
Other Media – Gridlock Alert messaging will also be found on DOT’s highway variable message boards, its LED signage at the Staten Island Ferry terminals and on its social media outlets.
"The U.N General Assembly are among the most important, yet congested days in the year for our City," said Public Advocate Letitia James. "Expanding the Gridlock Alerts in preparation for this event are essential to making our roads more efficient. During this time, I encourage New Yorkers to travel using alternative methods, and I commend the Department of Transportation for leading this effort."
"The reality is, in a global city like New York, we’re going to have busy weeks like the one ahead,” said Assembly Member Harvey Epstein. “I’m happy to see the Mayor and DOT taking a data-driven and proactive approach to gridlock—we can apply what we learn over the course of next week year-round to reduce congestion and make getting around the city more efficient and environmentally friendly."
“Gridlock is an ongoing issue that New Yorkers face on a daily basis. Thanks to our DOT Gridlock Alerts, commuters and drivers of taxis, private autos and for-hire vehicles can prepare for alternative transportation options and routes that are available here in NYC. Please be aware of the upcoming Gridlock Alerts in Midtown Manhattan from September 24 – October 1, and plan accordingly to walk, bike, carpool or ride mass transit,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chair of the Committee on Transportation.
"The more New Yorkers know to avoid gridlocked areas in Manhattan the easier it will be for officials to get things moving again," said Council Member Ben Kallos. "During UN week speeds can slow to about 3 MPH, around the UN and that means that 1 mile can take up to 20 minutes. Nobody wants to be stuck in that. Thank you to Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Trottenberg for expanding the City’s Gridlock Alert days and working to do a thorough job in letting drivers know when to steer clear of certain streets."
"Expanding Gridlock Alert for the UN General Assembly makes total sense for New Yorkers,” said Council Member Fernando Cabrera. “Every year we host the leaders of the world, taking on the burden of traffic in Manhattan three times slower than usual. Extended Gridlock Alert days will give drivers time to make alternate travel plans. Lowering Citi Bike and parking rates at Citi Field are great, common-sense strategies that will make everyone's commute easier during this important time."
"There are few things more frustrating than being stuck in gridlock, especially during the UN General Assembly," said Council Member Stephen Levin. "Fortunately, not only does our city enjoy a number of different transit options, DOT is also incentivizing commuters to explore these alternatives. Whether it's two feet, two wheels, or a MetroCard swipe, there are plenty of options to get around. I'm proud our city continues to explore innovative initiatives to keep New Yorkers moving."
"Congestion in Manhattan can be a nightmare on a day-to-day basis. During the week of UN General Assembly meetings, I encourage New Yorkers – including my constituency who will be most impacted – to utilize public transportation and carpooling. I thank the Department of Transportation for recognizing the need to expand Gridlock Alerts to help manage the influx of traffic, said Council Member Keith Powers."
"New Yorkers know that the secret to beating gridlock is to hop on a Citi Bike," said Kris Sandor, Citi Bike General Manager. "When you run the math, you’ll see that a Citi Bike can beat a taxi crosstown almost every time. With our special promotion during the upcoming General Assembly, we're making it easier than ever for more New Yorkers to hop on a Citi Bike and pedal past the gridlock."
“We are proud to partner with the New York City Department of Transportation to help alleviate congestion during Gridlock Alert Days,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “By encouraging shared rides, Via reduces the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road, providing New Yorkers with a convenient way to commute during these busy periods. Via’s powerful algorithm detects heavy traffic conditions, working in real-time to route passengers and vehicles to pick-up points and streets that avoid the busiest areas. By smartly matching multiple passengers headed in the same direction, Via is able to provide an inexpensive, eco-friendly, and convenient transportation alternative for New Yorkers.”
“Declaring Gridlock Alert Days for when the UN is in session is a smart idea by the city,” said Sam Schwartz, former DOT traffic commissioner. “The multi-pronged approach, including ads, will pay off with tens of thousands of people not getting caught in the Midtown slog. I created Gridlock Alert Days as traffic commissioner in the 1980s to warn drivers to seek alternate modes or routes on the heaviest days. It worked; we estimated 40,000 fewer vehicles entering Manhattan on those days.”
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