Livingston Manor, NY — Following Governor Hochul and Representative Ryan’s February 23 announcement launching a comprehensive study to improve regional transit coordination and cross-county connections in the Hudson Valley and Catskills region, a coalition of community leaders, organizations and elected representatives, organized by the ReThink Route 17 Alliance, is calling on the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to ensure the West of Hudson Transit Study is comprehensive, inclusive, and oriented toward actionable results.

Hudson Valley and Catskills Leaders Call on NYSDOT to Make West of Hudson Study Bold, Inclusive and Action-Oriented

Coalition of community leaders, organizations and elected officials issues recommendations to ensure the study delivers meaningful transportation improvements for riders, drivers and residents.

Livingston Manor, NY — Following Governor Hochul and Representative Ryan’s February 23 announcement launching a comprehensive study to improve regional transit coordination and cross-county connections in the Hudson Valley and Catskills region, a coalition of community leaders, organizations and elected representatives, organized by the ReThink Route 17 Alliance, is calling on the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to ensure the West of Hudson Transit Study is comprehensive, inclusive, and oriented toward actionable results.

While applauding the Governor and Representative for conceiving of the study, the coalition submitted a formal letter to NYSDOT outlining five key recommendations aimed at shaping a study that reflects the diverse transportation needs of communities west of the Hudson River and delivers real improvements for commuters and residents, no matter their chosen transportation method. “We envision a safe and sustainable transportation system that provides accessible and affordable choices for getting around, whether by bus, rail, bike, car, sidewalk, or trail,” the letter states. “We are eager to help ensure this study’s findings are meaningful and actionable.”

The letter’s key recommendations urge NYSDOT to:

• Engage the public meaningfully by establishing a formal advisory committee that includes local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, regional planning bodies, transit providers, and community residents throughout the study process.
• Connect across counties by serving as a regional convener able to see the “bigger picture” and facilitate multi-county transit collaboration, addressing persistent gaps that leave commuters stranded at jurisdictional boundaries.
• Consider all low-carbon travel modes including pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure on streets, sidewalks, and trails — in coordination with NYSOPRHP and NYSDEC — both as standalone travel options and as connections to bus and rail transit, consistent with the goals of New York’s Climate Law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
• Plan holistically along the Route 17 corridor by using the transit study’s findings to inform decision-making for the Route 17 Mobility and Access Improvements Project, even if that means adjusting the EIS timeline to ensure coordinated, fiscally responsible investment in the region.
• Orient toward action by implementing improvements on a rolling basis throughout the study’s duration, delivering near-term quality-of-life benefits that build public confidence in the government's ability to deliver for Hudson Valley and Catskills commuters.

The coalition emphasized that the West of Hudson Transit Study presents a rare opportunity to chart a course toward a more connected, sustainable Hudson Valley and Catskills region. Local leaders and community members expressed eagerness to collaborate with NYSDOT and looked forward to learning more about the public outreach plan and stakeholder advisory committee process.

The letter was submitted to NYSDOT and calls for a timely response regarding next steps to implement the coalition’s recommendations. To read the full letter, please use this link.

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About the ReThink Route 17 Alliance

The ReThink Route 17 Alliance is a diverse group of local, state and national groups representing thousands of New Yorkers and working towards better regional transportation. We have a deep knowledge of the diverse communities and significant natural areas along the Route 17 corridor in the greater Catskill-Hudson Valley region. Our communities deserve transportation alternatives that bring us into a safe and just future, create freedom of mobility and economic opportunity, and decrease pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

About Catskill Mountainkeeper

Catskill Mountainkeeper protects the natural heritage of the Catskills and works to build a just, thriving region through environmental advocacy, sustainable agriculture, and community education.