BP Stringer at Transportation Conference last Friday

Last Friday, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer hosted a first of its kind conference bringing together more than 400 policy makers, advocates, business and community leaders and local residents to discuss the transportation challenges facing Manhattan and New York City. The conference, “Manhattan on The Move,” took place at Columbia University’s Alfred Lerner Hall.

Borough President Stringer, Department of Transportation Commissioner Iris Weinshall and the former mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, Enrique Peñalosa all addressed the crowd and spoke passionately about the challenges facing the City’s transportation infrastructure and the need to find solutions as the city continues to grow. Mr. Peñalosa is credited with leading Bogotá through some of the most progressive transportation reforms in the world. Kathy Wydle, President and CEO of the New York City Partnership, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

“With another 1 million people coming here in less than two decades, it is time for action,” Borough President Stringer said. “It is time we reconcile New York’s imminent growth with its pressing, and inevitable transportation needs.”

Attendees spent part of their day in breakout discussion groups sharing ideas and exploring possible solutions. The breakout sessions focused subways and commuter rails; cars and buses; pedestrians, streets and sidewalks; underutilized transportation modes; and the need for comprehensive planning. The sessions were moderated by Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives Paul Steely White; Staff Attorney of the NYPIRG Straphangers Campaign, Gene Russianoff; Principal of Schaller Consulting, Bruce Schaller; President of the American Planning Association, Ethel Sheffer; Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Ernest Tollerson; and President of the Regional Plan Association Robert Yaro.

Maibe Fuentes is Press Secretary for BP Stringer