Op-Ed | A more accessible transit system is taking shape for all New Yorkers – amNewYork

Report on NYC Transit’s Paratransit Service and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Aligning Urban Mobility with Global Sustainability Targets

This report analyzes the performance and strategic enhancements of New York City Transit’s Paratransit service, contextualizing its achievements within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The service is a critical component of the city’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for all residents, with a particular focus on creating an inclusive urban environment.

SDG 10: Reducing Inequalities through Accessible Transportation

The Paratransit service directly addresses SDG 10 by empowering and promoting the social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities and seniors. Key performance indicators demonstrate a significant contribution to reducing mobility-related inequalities:

• Record Ridership: The service achieved a record of over 47,000 scheduled trips in a single day, indicating its essential role in providing mobility and independence to a large segment of the population.
• Technological Integration for Inclusion: New tools are being deployed to enhance user autonomy and reduce barriers. The MY AAR application and the rollout of OMNY cards for tap-and-ride payments streamline the travel process, empowering customers to travel with greater ease and independence across the entire transit system.
• High Service Reliability: Consistently high on-time performance ensures that individuals with disabilities have dependable access to the city, fostering equal opportunity for participation in community life.

SDG 11: Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Cities and Communities

NYC Transit’s efforts align with SDG 11, Target 11.2, which calls for access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations. The Paratransit service is a cornerstone of this objective.

1. Commitment to an Accessible Network: The Paratransit service, in conjunction with an accelerated expansion of the subway elevator network, represents a multi-faceted strategy to create a universally accessible public transport system.
2. Exceptional On-Time Performance: Service reliability exceeds established goals, contributing to an efficient and sustainable urban transport fabric. Over 94% of pickups are made within a 30-minute window, with 90% of all trips meeting a higher standard of a 20-minute window.
3. High User Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction rates have reached 80%, reflecting the service’s effectiveness in meeting the specific needs of its users and validating its role as a successful component of an inclusive and sustainable city.

Supporting Economic and Social Development (SDG 8 & SDG 3)

The Paratransit service functions as a critical enabler for achieving broader development goals related to economic growth and well-being.

• Economic Empowerment (SDG 8): The service is a vital link to economic opportunity. Data indicates that 30% of Paratransit riders utilize the service to commute to jobs and educational institutions, directly supporting the goal of full and productive employment for persons with disabilities.
• Access to Healthcare (SDG 3): By connecting customers to medical appointments, the service plays a crucial role in ensuring access to essential health services, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article addresses two primary Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on accessible and inclusive public transportation for vulnerable populations in New York City.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The article highlights efforts to serve people with disabilities and seniors, promoting their inclusion and independence. By providing reliable transportation, the Paratransit service empowers these individuals to access work and education, thereby reducing inequalities they might face due to mobility challenges. The article states, “30% of Paratransit riders say they use it to get to jobs or school,” directly linking the service to economic and social inclusion.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The core theme of the article is the provision of “safe, reliable and efficient” public transit. It specifically discusses making transportation systems accessible for all, which is a key component of creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments. The focus on Paratransit service for “seniors and those with disabilities” directly aligns with the goal of making cities inclusive and accessible for all residents.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the SDGs identified, the following specific targets are relevant to the article’s content:

• Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.” The article directly addresses this target by describing how the Paratransit service connects customers with “work and education,” empowering them to participate more fully in the city’s economic and social life. The introduction of tools like the MY AAR app and OMNY cards further empowers customers “to travel more independently and with greater ease.”
• Target 11.2: “By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all… with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, …persons with disabilities and older persons.” The entire article is an exposition of this target. It details the city’s commitment to providing service for “people with disabilities” and “seniors” through its Paratransit service, highlighting record ridership and improved reliability as evidence of providing accessible transport.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

• Ridership numbers: The article mentions that “Paratransit achieved record ridership with more than 47,000 trips scheduled” on a single day. This is a direct indicator of the scale and accessibility of the service for the target population.
• On-time performance: Service reliability is measured with precise metrics. The article states, “Well over 94% of pickups are made within a 30-minute window,” and the service “hits that mark [a 20-minute window] on 90% of all trips.” This indicates the quality and efficiency of the transport system.
• Customer satisfaction rates: Progress is also measured by user experience, as noted by the statement, “In survey after survey customer satisfaction now reaches 80%.” This provides a direct measure of the service’s success in meeting the needs of its users.
• Purpose of travel: The statistic that “30% of Paratransit riders say they use it to get to jobs or school” is a key indicator for Target 10.2, as it measures the service’s role in promoting economic and social inclusion.
• Adoption of new technology: The rollout of “the MY AAR app and OMNY cards” serves as an indicator of modernization and improved ease of access, contributing to the overall accessibility of the transit system.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: amny.com