Problem Statement
A number of key transportation and related problems exist within the Nassau Hub Transit Initiative Study Area (“Study Area”) stemming from current and projected roadway congestion; the lack of frequent, direct and convenient transit service; and large-lot dispersed development patterns that encourage auto trips and contribute to environmental degradation. These problems limit the County's ability to grow, capitalize on economic development opportunities and preserve the high-quality suburban lifestyle that residents and businesses have come to expect. Four overarching problems have been identified.
- Traffic congestion is pervasive and recurrent on roadways throughout Nassau County, making it difficult to travel to, from, and within the Nassau Hub area.
- Travel speeds are projected to decrease in Nassau County by 2045 due to increased traffic and congestion
- Total vehicle miles traveled will increase between 2020-2045
- Congestion is projected to worsen by 2045.
- Transit service does not adequately serve trips to, from, and within the Study Area.
- Existing NICE Bus service between key destinations in the Hub area is infrequent, time-consuming, and sometimes requires transferring between two buses or walking.
- No transit route, based on NICE Bus service maps, directly connects the Nassau Coliseum site with the LIRR Main Line.
- Land use patterns within the Study Area are disjointed and dispersed and have led to a reliance on auto travel.
- Existing land use patterns discourage transit usage.
- Key destinations have access to large amounts of surface parking, discouraging the use of rail or bus to connect.
- The lack of transit choices limits the County’s ability to positively affect environmental quality and sustainability, leading to a decline in livability.
- Increased traffic congestion (noted above) will continue to result in delays, traffic crashes and degradation of quality of life.
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