Get Involved!

Public participation is very important, both in helping define existing problems, and in defining acceptable alternative solutions. The collaboration of all interested and affected parties, including the general public, is crucial to successfully move from identifying the transportation problems and needs of Long Island to deciding on the most appropriate solutions. As Long Islanders, we are part of the congestion problem; and we have an opportunity to take part in shaping the solution.

Here are some things you can do:

On November 19, 1997, nearly 48,000 households--about 110,000 people--in the New York region watched a televised Town Hall Meeting to introduce LITP2000. About 100 Long Islanders joined us in the TV studio and another 1,000 people called in during the show with comments, questions, and suggestions. We were thrilled we could tell so many people about the Study and invite them all to participate in the planning process. But that was just the kick-off…We've had lots of public input since then and invite you to keep those calls and letters coming. Here's an update on what's happened and how you can stay involved:

Shortly after the TV program, six LITP2000 Technical Subcommittees were formed: 1) transit, ridesharing and commuting options; 2) bicycle and pedestrian options and special travel needs; 3) cargo movement; 4) auto travel; 5) land use and zoning in relation to transportation; and 6) public participation in the Study's planning process. These subcommittees, with a total of more than 100 public volunteers and about 50 technical experts, met over a 7-month period to focus on how to improve the movement of people and goods on Long Island. You can read what your fellow Long Islanders have suggested. Each subcommittee's suggestions – hundreds of them – are posted on this web site.

The Study's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) provides technical advice and public input. It has 41 members representing all of Long Island's county and town governments, elected members of the State Senate and Assembly, state and federal agencies, transportation providers, business associations, commuter and bicycle groups, and one public representative from each of the Study's six subcommittees, mentioned above.

The Transportation Mobility Committee (TMC) was formed to provide a forum for public input from volunteers who were unable to participate as subcommittee members. This committee has over 300 members. Now that the work of the subcommittees is complete, the TMC also includes public members from the subcommittees who want to continue their involvement in the Study.

The second LITP2000 television program, "From Here to There: Transportation on Long Island" was broadcast on May 19, 1999 and rebroadcast on May 23. The program was watched by almost 145,000 people representing about 66,000 households. The show provided an update on the types of congestion management options that have been studied so far, some preliminary findings of the technical evaluation of the options, and information on what the next steps of the Study will be. The transcript of the show is posted on this web site.

During the Study, many people have provided comments and suggestions via the 24-hour telephone hotline (1-888-670-LITP) and the post office box (LITP2000, c/o NYSDOT, P.O. Box 222262, Great Neck, NY 11022-2262). Follow their example and contact us...we're listening.