Cubic’s Urban Insights group and Mastercard collaborated on a request from New York City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez to measure the impact of Car Free Day NYC held in April.
The one-day event resulted in an increase of more than 30,000 riders than the season’s daily average on the MTA subway, and public data for other services like bike share also showed a statistically significant increase in usage. For retail stores, there were no significant adverse effects on commercial activity in the surrounding areas, despite road closures created to facilitate and support the spirit of the event.
New York City Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez said, “We made great strides in the inaugural event this year, measured by the great partnership of Cubic and Mastercard, and we hope to build upon these efforts on Earth Day in 2017. Now more than ever, we must be cognizant of our impact on the environment and choosing to travel in modes that don’t damage or hurt our planet is an easy way to contribute to a healthier planet. We showed on the first-ever Car Free Day in New York City that not only can we lower our reliance on single occupancy vehicles, but that it is as good for our small businesses as our environment. I look forward to even more success in year two.”
Photo by Glenwood