We will increase the use of Muni meters within the city and develop an integrated traffic management system for our regional transportation network

We will expand the use of Muni meters
Muni meters, first introduced in New York in 1996, offer numerous advantages compared to traditional single-space parking meters. For drivers, they increase parking capacity by allowing cars to park closer together. They also enable the city to improve traffic flow by charging vehicles progressively higher fees for longer stays, encouraging shorter stays and more turnover. This increased turnover reduces double-parking and cuts the amount of time drivers spend "cruising" for a parking space. The meters also allow for more flexible payment options, accepting coin, credit card or city parking cards, and they create more sidewalk space for pedestrians-one Muni meter can replace up to six single space meters.

While Muni meters are currently only in use in certain areas, DOT will introduce them in business districts across the city, completing installation in all possible locations by 2011.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
Over the last year DOT has installed nearly 550 new muni meters across the City, nearly 450 of which were reserved solely for noncommercial vehicles. DOT has been and will continue installing muni meters in busy commercial districts in all five boroughs of the City. As part of the "Manhattan Project", DOT will replace all of Manhattan's single space meters with muni meters by July 2009. In all, over 5,000 single space meters will be replaced by less than 750 muni-meters. DOT will begin by replacing all 4,655 single space meters below 60th Street with 664 muni-meters.

We will create an integrated traffic management system
The region's congestion problems are compounded by inefficiencies and lack of coordination among agencies and travelers. Poorly timed signals can cause backups, and drivers are often not alerted to traffic jams until they are actually sitting in them.

That's why the City has launched a five-year plan to unify and expand the information systems on our transportation network and enhance coordination throughout the region. Although we have utilized Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for years through the use of cameras and electronic signage on highways, the real benefits can only be achieved when the information is centralized and coordinated.

Also in 2008, the New York Police Department, New York State Department of Transportation and the City's DOT will open the Joint Transportation Management Center, in Long Island City, which will enhance our ability to track and coordinate responses to traffic incidents.

But coordination is only the beginning; significant improvements require significant investments in technology. We will continue technological upgrades. By 2009, we will electronically control the timing on more than 70% of the city's traffic signals, allowing us to respond in real-time to emerging traffic conditions; by 2012, all of the city's highways will be equipped with ITS technologies.

Expanded technology and coordination will improve our ability to respond to traffic incidents, manage traffic congestion, and deliver information to drivers in real time.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
In Spring 2008, the Traffic Management Center (TMC) will join with the New York State DOT (NYS DOT) Joint Traffic Operating Center to increase information and further improve traffic flow. In addition, the City plans to install additional variable message signs (VMS) in Staten Island and Eastern Queens and vehicle detector technology in hundreds of intersections in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn by January 2010. In 2007 the City partnered with MTA and NYS DOT to pilot a Transit Signal Priority (TSP) program on stretch of Victory Boulevard in Staten Island. The City and MTA plan to use TSP in the BRT program on Fordham Road/Pelham Parkway, which should be in operation in the summer of 2008. All signalized intersections in Staten Island already run on Advanced Solid-State Traffic Controllers (ASTCs); the City will install 4,500 ASTCs in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, completing by 2010. The City will install roughly 200 signals per month, and will complete installation by 2010.