## New York City’s Off-Hour Deliveries Program: Incentivizing Businesses for Safer Streets
In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of traffic congestion and improve the overall quality of life in New York City, the Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has launched an innovative incentive program known as the Off-Hour Deliveries Program. Leading the charge in implementing this initiative is Arcadis, a globally recognized firm specializing in design and consultancy for natural and built assets.
The program’s core objective is to encourage commercial businesses to shift their delivery schedules from bustling daytime hours to quieter nighttime periods. This strategy aims to achieve multiple positive outcomes, including:
*
Reducing Traffic Congestion:
By minimizing the number of delivery vehicles on the roads during peak hours, the program aims to alleviate the strain on the city’s already oversaturated transportation network, leading to smoother commutes for everyone.*
Improving Air Quality:
Shifting deliveries to off-peak hours will contribute to a significant reduction in vehicle emissions, resulting in cleaner air for all New Yorkers.*
Enhancing Safety:
With fewer delivery trucks on the roads during the day, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers will experience safer and more comfortable travel conditions.The Off-Hour Deliveries Program takes a practical approach by offering participating businesses a one-time incentive reimbursement for expenses related to implementing off-hour delivery strategies. These expenses can include investments in camera systems, access enhancement systems, or even e-cargo bikes.
Arcadis, in its role as the prime consultant, brings extensive experience in transportation logistics, data analysis, and grant funding management to the project. They are also collaborating with New York University’s C2SMART, a USDOT Tier 1 University Transportation Center, to leverage cutting-edge research and development to optimize the city’s transportation network.
The program’s impact will be felt across the five boroughs of New York City, focusing particularly on the busiest corridors in downtown Brooklyn, Manhattan (south of 59th Street), Flushing, and Jamaica in Queens. While the incentive program is open to all commercial businesses, a targeted outreach plan will identify and incentivize smaller brick-and-mortar establishments that face unique challenges in adapting to off-hour deliveries.
Community outreach, marketing, and communications will be managed by a collaborative team, including Arcadis, Public Works Partners, and Metropolitan Urban Design Workshop, ensuring the program reaches its target audience and receives widespread support.
Jee Mee Kim, New York City Executive at Arcadis, expressed her optimism about the program’s positive impact, stating: “The expansion of the Off-Hour Deliveries Program will address traffic safety, air quality, and delivery reliability across the five boroughs. We look forward to working with the Department of Transportation on meeting the needs of the commercial freight sector.”
Peter Glus, US Mobility Sales Director at Arcadis, highlighted the importance of the program in addressing a critical issue: “Congested corridors create risks for residents living in our communities. Fewer delivery vehicles on the road during the day means safer and more sustainable communities for New York City residents.”
The Off-Hour Deliveries Program represents a bold and practical solution to a longstanding problem. By incentivizing businesses to adopt more sustainable delivery practices, New York City is taking a significant step towards creating a safer, cleaner, and more efficient urban environment for all.
