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N.Y.’s Changed Streets: In One Spot, Traffic Speeds Are Up 288% N.Y.’s Changed Streets: In One Spot, Traffic Speeds Are Up 288%
(about 13 hours later)
Traffic at New York City’s busiest bridges and tunnels has plunged nearly 60 percent.Traffic at New York City’s busiest bridges and tunnels has plunged nearly 60 percent.
Rush-hour speeds have soared 288 percent on one of the city’s most clogged arteries — the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway — to 52 miles per hour from 13 m.p.h.Rush-hour speeds have soared 288 percent on one of the city’s most clogged arteries — the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway — to 52 miles per hour from 13 m.p.h.
Even the air is cleaner, with levels of particulate matter, which contribute to health problems including lung cancer and heart attacks, plunging as much as 35 percent across the city.Even the air is cleaner, with levels of particulate matter, which contribute to health problems including lung cancer and heart attacks, plunging as much as 35 percent across the city.
The coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged New York has essentially erased much of the traffic in the country’s largest city, easing the congestion that has strangled the streets and has made it more perilous for pedestrians and a growing army of bicycle commuters.The coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged New York has essentially erased much of the traffic in the country’s largest city, easing the congestion that has strangled the streets and has made it more perilous for pedestrians and a growing army of bicycle commuters.
And it has happened far more swiftly and drastically than any measure New York’s leaders have taken so far to push cars off the streets, including a congestion pricing plan that starting next year will impose fees to drive into the busiest parts of Manhattan.And it has happened far more swiftly and drastically than any measure New York’s leaders have taken so far to push cars off the streets, including a congestion pricing plan that starting next year will impose fees to drive into the busiest parts of Manhattan.
Traffic on the city’s 6,000 miles of streets has been curtailed before by blizzards, hurricanes and even religious holidays, but it always managed to rebound within days, if not hours.Traffic on the city’s 6,000 miles of streets has been curtailed before by blizzards, hurricanes and even religious holidays, but it always managed to rebound within days, if not hours.
This time, streets have been flowing freely since last month and will likely remain that way as long as the stay-at-home orders in New York and surrounding states remain in place.This time, streets have been flowing freely since last month and will likely remain that way as long as the stay-at-home orders in New York and surrounding states remain in place.
“You just don’t see traffic like this ever,” said Samuel I. Schwartz, a consultant and former city traffic commissioner known as “Gridlock Sam” for his traffic-curbing efforts. “This is the equivalent of Yom Kippur landing on Christmas Day.”“You just don’t see traffic like this ever,” said Samuel I. Schwartz, a consultant and former city traffic commissioner known as “Gridlock Sam” for his traffic-curbing efforts. “This is the equivalent of Yom Kippur landing on Christmas Day.”
The extraordinary shift offers a glimpse of what one of the world’s most gridlocked cities could look like without congestion and provides an unexpected case study for transportation officials and experts wrestling with how to manage limited street space for ever more users, including ride-share drivers and delivery trucks hauling Amazon boxes.The extraordinary shift offers a glimpse of what one of the world’s most gridlocked cities could look like without congestion and provides an unexpected case study for transportation officials and experts wrestling with how to manage limited street space for ever more users, including ride-share drivers and delivery trucks hauling Amazon boxes.
“It falls along the lines of ‘never let a crisis go to waste,’” said Sarah Kaufman, associate director of the Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management at New York University, which is studying the transportation impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.“It falls along the lines of ‘never let a crisis go to waste,’” said Sarah Kaufman, associate director of the Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management at New York University, which is studying the transportation impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
There is at least one down side to clearer streets, however: speeding. Despite far fewer vehicles on the road, the city’s automated speed cameras issued 24,765 speeding tickets citywide on March 27, or nearly double the 12,672 tickets issued daily a month earlier, according to city data.There is at least one down side to clearer streets, however: speeding. Despite far fewer vehicles on the road, the city’s automated speed cameras issued 24,765 speeding tickets citywide on March 27, or nearly double the 12,672 tickets issued daily a month earlier, according to city data.
Still, stripping traffic down largely to necessary deliveries and services, Ms. Kaufman said, provide a baseline for gauging who really needs to drive in New York. “This is a way to assess what’s truly essential in the city and reprioritize our spaces and mobility options for what makes the most sense,” she said.Still, stripping traffic down largely to necessary deliveries and services, Ms. Kaufman said, provide a baseline for gauging who really needs to drive in New York. “This is a way to assess what’s truly essential in the city and reprioritize our spaces and mobility options for what makes the most sense,” she said.
But some drivers countered that the streets were only empty because of an unanticipated public health emergency and that once the outbreak subsided, they would need their cars more than ever to get around and rebuild their lives and businesses.But some drivers countered that the streets were only empty because of an unanticipated public health emergency and that once the outbreak subsided, they would need their cars more than ever to get around and rebuild their lives and businesses.
“I think we’re all looking for life to go back to normal,” said David I. Weprin, a Democratic state assemblyman in Queens, where many residents do not have easy access to subways or public buses. “There’s a large segment of residents and businesses in New York City that relies on cars.”“I think we’re all looking for life to go back to normal,” said David I. Weprin, a Democratic state assemblyman in Queens, where many residents do not have easy access to subways or public buses. “There’s a large segment of residents and businesses in New York City that relies on cars.”
Yet the wide-open streets have fueled talk of possibilities that seemed unlikely even a month ago: large car-free zones, a network of connected pedestrian-only streets and an explosion of bike lanes that could be used for delivering packages by cargo bikes.Yet the wide-open streets have fueled talk of possibilities that seemed unlikely even a month ago: large car-free zones, a network of connected pedestrian-only streets and an explosion of bike lanes that could be used for delivering packages by cargo bikes.
A short-lived experiment by city officials to turn over stretches of four major thoroughfares to pedestrians for social distancing drew criticism for not going far enough.A short-lived experiment by city officials to turn over stretches of four major thoroughfares to pedestrians for social distancing drew criticism for not going far enough.
“The same way we will have to reimagine so many elements in our city, we must do the same with our streets,” said Danny Harris, the executive director of Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group. “We can’t go back to streets that are littered with traffic and parking.”“The same way we will have to reimagine so many elements in our city, we must do the same with our streets,” said Danny Harris, the executive director of Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group. “We can’t go back to streets that are littered with traffic and parking.”
Polly Trottenberg, the city’s transportation commissioner, said the city had already undertaken ambitious plans to transform its streets, including all but banning cars from a major Manhattan thoroughfare.Polly Trottenberg, the city’s transportation commissioner, said the city had already undertaken ambitious plans to transform its streets, including all but banning cars from a major Manhattan thoroughfare.
But how the current streetscape might influence future decisions is unclear.But how the current streetscape might influence future decisions is unclear.
New York was dealing with stretched budgets and resources, Ms. Trottenberg said, adding that “right now, we’re facing an immediate crisis and doing our best to manage this difficult moment.”New York was dealing with stretched budgets and resources, Ms. Trottenberg said, adding that “right now, we’re facing an immediate crisis and doing our best to manage this difficult moment.”
Across the country, motorists have been told to stay at home to slow the spread of the pandemic, but nowhere has the reduction in traffic been as substantial as in New York.Across the country, motorists have been told to stay at home to slow the spread of the pandemic, but nowhere has the reduction in traffic been as substantial as in New York.
In one measure of declining road use, the average number of miles traveled in 24 hours by vehicles in the New York metro region, which includes parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, had plunged 64 percent by April 2, according to INRIX, a transportation analytics company.In one measure of declining road use, the average number of miles traveled in 24 hours by vehicles in the New York metro region, which includes parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, had plunged 64 percent by April 2, according to INRIX, a transportation analytics company.
It was the largest drop in the nation, followed by Detroit, which fell 62 percent, and San Francisco, 60 percent. Los Angeles, another famously traffic-choked city, dropped 53 percent.It was the largest drop in the nation, followed by Detroit, which fell 62 percent, and San Francisco, 60 percent. Los Angeles, another famously traffic-choked city, dropped 53 percent.
On two of the country’s busiest toll roads, the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway, overall traffic was down about 61 percent during the fourth week in March as the coronavirus spread, according to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.On two of the country’s busiest toll roads, the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway, overall traffic was down about 61 percent during the fourth week in March as the coronavirus spread, according to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
At tolled crossings into New York City from New Jersey, auto traffic dropped 58 percent to a weekday average of 121,000 cars in March from 287,000 cars a year ago at the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, and three other bridges operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.At tolled crossings into New York City from New Jersey, auto traffic dropped 58 percent to a weekday average of 121,000 cars in March from 287,000 cars a year ago at the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, and three other bridges operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Similarly, daily traffic volume sank 59 percent to 350,856 vehicles on March 23 from 857,229 vehicles on March 2 at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s nine city crossings, including the Queens-Midtown Tunnel and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.Similarly, daily traffic volume sank 59 percent to 350,856 vehicles on March 23 from 857,229 vehicles on March 2 at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s nine city crossings, including the Queens-Midtown Tunnel and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Buses moved faster with fewer cars in the way. The average weekday bus speed rose 7 percent to 8.7 miles per hour from 8.1 miles per hour before the outbreak, according to the transportation authority.Buses moved faster with fewer cars in the way. The average weekday bus speed rose 7 percent to 8.7 miles per hour from 8.1 miles per hour before the outbreak, according to the transportation authority.
At the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, 95 percent of New Jersey Transit’s buses were on time in March, up from an average of 89 percent, according to that agency.At the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, 95 percent of New Jersey Transit’s buses were on time in March, up from an average of 89 percent, according to that agency.
Coveted parking spots have opened up across the city. Parking-meter use dropped 75 percent at the end of March to an average of 104,457 times a day from 418,471 times a day before the outbreak, according to city data.Coveted parking spots have opened up across the city. Parking-meter use dropped 75 percent at the end of March to an average of 104,457 times a day from 418,471 times a day before the outbreak, according to city data.
Air quality has improved with fewer vehicles on the road, according to initial readings by state environmental monitors. Levels of particulate matter dropped across the city in March compared with a year ago, down 20 percent in Brooklyn to as much as 35 percent on Staten Island.Air quality has improved with fewer vehicles on the road, according to initial readings by state environmental monitors. Levels of particulate matter dropped across the city in March compared with a year ago, down 20 percent in Brooklyn to as much as 35 percent on Staten Island.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
During that same period, average daily readings of nitrogen dioxide — which is closely linked to vehicle exhaust — dropped by as much as 30 percent in Queens and 27 percent in the Bronx.During that same period, average daily readings of nitrogen dioxide — which is closely linked to vehicle exhaust — dropped by as much as 30 percent in Queens and 27 percent in the Bronx.
“It proves that changes in public behavior can make a real difference in pollution levels,” said Eric A. Goldstein, a senior lawyer for the Natural Resources Defense Council, an advocacy group. “And that holds real promise for tackling the climate crisis, which is still going to be with us after the coronavirus crisis abates.”“It proves that changes in public behavior can make a real difference in pollution levels,” said Eric A. Goldstein, a senior lawyer for the Natural Resources Defense Council, an advocacy group. “And that holds real promise for tackling the climate crisis, which is still going to be with us after the coronavirus crisis abates.”
Still, Mr. Goldstein added, the reductions were likely temporary — until traffic returned to normal — and came at a terrible cost of lost lives and economic instability.Still, Mr. Goldstein added, the reductions were likely temporary — until traffic returned to normal — and came at a terrible cost of lost lives and economic instability.
For now, the emptier streets seem to have encouraged at least some drivers to disregard traffic rules.For now, the emptier streets seem to have encouraged at least some drivers to disregard traffic rules.
On one of the city’s most dangerous stretches, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, where the speed limit is 45 m.p.h., the average traffic speed at 5 p.m. on a weekday (March 31 and April 1) was 52 miles per hour, according to INRIX.On one of the city’s most dangerous stretches, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, where the speed limit is 45 m.p.h., the average traffic speed at 5 p.m. on a weekday (March 31 and April 1) was 52 miles per hour, according to INRIX.
Still, traffic crashes overall have plummeted. There were 1,042 motor vehicle collisions reported between March 23 and March 28 — a 58 percent drop from a month earlier, and a 72 percent drop from a year ago, according to an analysis of police data by OpenTheBooks.com, a nonprofit watchdog group.Still, traffic crashes overall have plummeted. There were 1,042 motor vehicle collisions reported between March 23 and March 28 — a 58 percent drop from a month earlier, and a 72 percent drop from a year ago, according to an analysis of police data by OpenTheBooks.com, a nonprofit watchdog group.
Traffic fatalities are also down this year after a spike in cyclist and pedestrian deaths last year. A total of 46 traffic deaths were reported as of April 5 compared with 50 deaths for the same period last year.Traffic fatalities are also down this year after a spike in cyclist and pedestrian deaths last year. A total of 46 traffic deaths were reported as of April 5 compared with 50 deaths for the same period last year.
While it is impossible to know the long-lasting effects of the pandemic, some transportation officials and experts say telecommuting could expand in a significant way, with so many people and employers being forced to adopt a work-from-home system.While it is impossible to know the long-lasting effects of the pandemic, some transportation officials and experts say telecommuting could expand in a significant way, with so many people and employers being forced to adopt a work-from-home system.
And even a modest dip in rush-hour traffic could make a difference, said Tom Wright, president of the Regional Plan Association, a nonprofit planning group. “A small reduction at a given time can actually lead to a very large improvement in how the system works,” he said.And even a modest dip in rush-hour traffic could make a difference, said Tom Wright, president of the Regional Plan Association, a nonprofit planning group. “A small reduction at a given time can actually lead to a very large improvement in how the system works,” he said.
Bruce Schaller, a former city transportation official, said traffic would likely ramp up in stages, providing an opportunity to reshape streets that were designed decades ago.Bruce Schaller, a former city transportation official, said traffic would likely ramp up in stages, providing an opportunity to reshape streets that were designed decades ago.
“If I really want to organize my desk, first I take everything off and then I decide what to put back,” he said. “We’ll be at a point of deciding what to put back on the streets, which is much easier than deciding what to take out.”“If I really want to organize my desk, first I take everything off and then I decide what to put back,” he said. “We’ll be at a point of deciding what to put back on the streets, which is much easier than deciding what to take out.”
Many New Yorkers said they had grown used to life without congestion and wanted to keep it that way.Many New Yorkers said they had grown used to life without congestion and wanted to keep it that way.
Joby Jacob, 45, a biology professor in Queens, said he could hear birds chirping without the cacophony of car horns and engines.Joby Jacob, 45, a biology professor in Queens, said he could hear birds chirping without the cacophony of car horns and engines.
“Now is the time to figure out where things could be reimagined and repurposed,” he said. “If not now, when?”“Now is the time to figure out where things could be reimagined and repurposed,” he said. “If not now, when?”
Annie Correal and Patrick McGeehan contributed reporting.Annie Correal and Patrick McGeehan contributed reporting.