Transportation is the backbone of the region’s economy and essential to the quality of life for all residents. The region has outgrown an aging transportation system that is increasingly unreliable and unable to respond to changing needs, technology, and travel patterns. Years of underinvestment during a time of rapid economic and population growth have led to congestion, delays, and deteriorating infrastructure. RPA’s research and planning advances both immediate and long-term actions that support a healthier and more equitable transportation network, creating the capacity for sustainable economic growth.

We advance innovative solutions to immediate challenges, such as designing a fair and effective congestion pricing program for Manhattan’s central business district and demonstrating how shrinking urban highways like the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway can improve traffic flows while reconnecting neighborhoods.

We develop and promote long-range visions to guide investments in transportation infrastructure.

• Our regional rail plan would transform the fragmented commuter rail network into a comprehensive system that would greatly expand capacity and reduce travel times throughout the region.
• Our plan for New York City’s subways would make them reliable, comfortable, fast, and accessible to underserved neighborhoods.
• Our proposals for an integrated network of buses, light rail, and affordable on-demand car service would leverage new technologies while transforming above-ground transit.
• Our vision for modernized airports, seaports, and high-speed rail would improve global connections and intercity travel.

Because transportation is not an end to itself, we integrate our transportation work with plans for housing, neighborhood development, economic opportunity, climate resilience and a healthier environment.