Chamber President Provides Testimony to NYC Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
On March 17, Chamber President and CEO Linda Baran provided testimony to NYC Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In response to rising transportation costs, few public transit options, and a challenging business climate, Baran presented four recommendations for investments to speed commutes, ease congestion, and reduce costs for Staten Islanders.
The full text of the testimony is below.
Good morning Chair and members of the Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
I am Linda Baran, President and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, representing about 700 businesses employing nearly 20,000 workers across our borough, most of them small businesses.
Transportation equity remains a major issue for Staten Island. Despite being home to nearly half a million residents, Staten Island remains the most transit underserved borough in New York City. We have one passenger rail line, no direct subway connection to Manhattan, and limited bus service. For many years we relied almost entirely on a single ferry route as our primary link to the rest of the city.
At the same time, Staten Islanders continually pay into the region’s transportation system while receiving far fewer investments in return. Unlike residents of other boroughs, Staten Islanders must pay a toll every time they leave or return to the borough. We also pay more for mass transit. While riders in other boroughs can take the subway into Manhattan for the cost of a local bus fare, many Staten Islanders must rely on express buses that cost significantly more just to reach the same job centers. The result is one of the longest and most expensive commutes in New York City.
With congestion pricing now in effect, Staten Islanders face yet another added cost when traveling into Manhattan. While the policy is intended to reduce traffic and encourage transit use, it underscores the need for real transit investment in our borough.
For the businesses we represent, these challenges are very real. Employers regularly tell us that hiring workers from outside Staten Island can be difficult because commuting to the borough takes too long or costs too much.
Improving transportation equity means better mobility within Staten Island and stronger connections to the rest of the city.
SICC Recommends Four Investments to Speed Commutes, Ease Congestion, and Reduce Costs for Staten Islanders
1. Fully Fund the North Shore Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the MTA Capital Plan
One of the most important investments for Staten Island is the North Shore Bus Rapid Transit project. This long-planned project would convert a dormant corridor into a reliable transit link connecting North and West Shore neighborhoods to the St. George Ferry Terminal. It would also improve access to major employment centers such as the Staten Island Corporate Park, helping employers attract workers and strengthening economic development across the borough.
The Chamber urges the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to include full funding for the North Shore BRT in the next MTA Capital Plan so this long-awaited project can finally move from planning to construction.
With congestion pricing now in effect and policymakers encouraging fewer car trips, investments like the North Shore BRT are essential to ensuring Staten Islanders have real and reliable transit alternatives.
2. Extend Ferry Service
Regional connections must also continue to improve.
The recent addition of Staten Island to the NYC fast ferry network and the reconnection to Brooklyn landings are positive steps toward integrating our borough into the citywide ferry system. Expanding ferry service and developing additional landings on Staten Island would further improve commuting options and support economic activity throughout the borough.
3. Pilot Smart Traffic Signal Technology
Improving mobility within Staten Island itself is just as important. Traffic congestion continues to affect daily life for residents and businesses. During rush hour it can take more than an hour to travel just a few miles along major corridors such as Hylan Boulevard.
The Chamber has proposed piloting a smart traffic signal system that uses real time data and adaptive signals to improve traffic flow and reduce delays. Cities that have implemented similar systems have significantly reduced travel times and delays.
Because Staten Island is geographically compact, our borough is well suited to pilot this technology islandwide and demonstrate how intelligent traffic systems can improve mobility and safety. The City could implement a pilot program and pursue federal infrastructure or safety funding to support broader deployment if successful.
4. Extend the Staten Island Expressway HOV Lane
Another important step to ease congestion is extending the Staten Island Expressway HOV lane westward to the Goethals Bridge. This improvement would help move traffic more efficiently, support express bus service, and reduce congestion on surrounding local streets.
While the Staten Island Expressway is under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Transportation, the City can play an important role in advancing this project. We encourage the City to work with State DOT to prioritize the extension and to pursue federal infrastructure funding opportunities to support its completion.
Transportation equity means ensuring that Staten Island receives the same level of investment and connectivity as other boroughs. Our residents and businesses deserve reliable transit, fair transportation costs, and better access to opportunity.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify. We look forward to continuing to work with the Council to advance these priorities.