A Transportation Alternatives Veteran Joins the Transition
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition strategy is drawing attention after he named Ben Furnas, a veteran of Transportation Alternatives, to lead his transportation, climate, and infrastructure team. The appointment has led critics to question whether the incoming administration will pursue policies that significantly restrict car use in the city.
An 80-Point Policy Proposal
Transportation Alternatives has released a proposal containing more than 80 policy ideas for the incoming city administration. Among the more notable suggestions is converting sections of streets into playgrounds, effectively turning them into dead ends. Supporters describe the idea as a way to address a shortage of playground space in dense neighborhoods, while critics have raised questions about where the resulting rerouted traffic would go.
Expanding School Streets
The proposal also calls for expanding “school streets,” a program that closes roads near public schools to vehicle traffic. Currently only a small number of schools participate in the program. Expanding it to roughly 3,000 locations, as proposed, has drawn concern from critics who argue it could create significant traffic disruptions in surrounding neighborhoods.
More Busways on Contested Routes
Additional proposals call for expanding dedicated busways onto more of the city’s busiest transit corridors, an approach that has already generated debate over corridors like 14th Street and a proposed busway on 34th Street. Some transit riders have argued that the core problem limiting bus service is an insufficient number of buses rather than car traffic, though the proposal’s overall approach emphasizes restricting car access to speed up transit.
Repurposing Space Near Subway Stations
Other proposals include reducing parking near subway stations in favor of wider sidewalks, additional bus shelters, expanded bike lanes, and small park spaces. Critics of these changes have raised concerns about the impact on seniors, families, and residents with mobility limitations who rely on personal vehicles to get around the city.
A Possible Return for Outdoor Dining Sheds
The proposal also revives pandemic-era outdoor dining structures, pushing to make them a permanent, year-round fixture. Supporters view the sheds as valuable support for small businesses, while critics have raised concerns about sanitation and maintenance issues associated with permanent structures.
What Comes Next
Furnas’ appointment has led some observers to expect the city’s Department of Transportation to shift further toward pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure under the incoming administration. Other transit advocacy figures from groups including Open Plans and Riders Alliance have also joined the transition effort. Mamdani’s team has not publicly detailed which of these proposals it intends to adopt, leaving the extent of any policy changes uncertain until the new administration takes office.