Modernizing Freight
In order to green our freight distribution network and reduce our reliance on trucks, the City continues to invest in maritime and rail infrastructure, new distribution facilities, and truck electrification and e-cargo bike initiatives. Together, these investments will eliminate 40 million truck miles and 71,500 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. As of Fall 2021, private partners are using 350 cargo bikes through DOT’s cargo bike program, which encourages the use of bicycles for commercial purposes like last-mile freight delivery. The City’s Clean Truck Program has also administered $24 million in subsidies to encourage freight companies to buy cleaner trucks that service the Hunts Point Market in the Bronx. In summer 2021, the program facilitated the purchase of five fully electric trucks—the program’s first—and is expanding to Industrial Business Zones citywide.
The City also worked with the private sector to better manage our freight system. As of August 2021, over 1,100 buildings and businesses participate in the Off-Hour Deliveries Program, which reduce congestion and idling emissions during peak commuting times. DOT has also installed 111 Neighborhood Loading Zones along 26 corridors citywide to reduce double parking and congestion and reduce pollution. In the first year, double parking on corridors with these zones decreased by as much as 70 percent. Building on this success, the City will double the number of neighborhood loading zones to over 150 locations by the end of 2021. DOT is also surveying fleet operators about green loading zones to plan for curb regulations that incentive low-emission vehicles.