Queens Is the Hub for Major Transportation Projects
A Message from Queens Chamber of Commerce President Mayra Dirico
The Queens Chamber is dedicated to keeping you apprised of the latest happenings in the legislative and governmental world. As is readily apparent, the transportation landscape in the borough of Queens is transforming. What was once a transportation desert is now being equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements in the land, sea, and air facilities.
We are very excited to be participating with fellow governmental agencies on many new projects: JFK and LGA redevelopments, NYC Ferry, Citi Bike, LIRR, and MTA. While Manhattan was once the focus of transportation, i.e. workers commuting from the outer-boroughs to get into the city, the outer-boroughs are now teeming with economic improvements that provide our workers many new opportunities.
A staggering statistic: In 2016, average weekday subway ridership was 5.7 million, the highest since 1948. Annual ridership is now 1.757 billion. It is easy to see how the city and state must adapt to the influx of commuters. There must be newer and more innovative options.
The Queens Chamber will continue to work with our elected officials to provide chamber members with the best travel options possible.
An alternative to planes, trains, and automobiles, cycling is growing leaps and bounds due to Citi Bike. Right now, 59 terminals are positioned in western Queens throughout Long Island City and Astoria. Increased bicycle ridership will undoubtedly alleviate some of the burdens of bottlenecked traffic in these already burdened neighborhoods.
In sum, the Queens Chamber will work as a vocal advocate to understand and meet the needs of our members and the business community at large. Please reach out to us whenever you can so we may better hear and understand your needs and interests.
