State DOT releases list of 20 worst days to drive into New York City

As if there are any good days to drive into New York City, the state transportation department has released a list of the 20 worst-of-the-worst days to drive in for the rest of the year.

The DOT collects and analyzes traffic data from past years to determine the worst days. Designated days don't necessarily have the most traffic but are characterized by higher overall activity, such as of vehicles, pedestrians, tourism and special events, as well as slow speeds, the department has said.

The slowest, most congested traffic days on the list include: Monday, Sept. 23 through Friday, Sept. 27; Wednesday, Nov. 20 through Friday, Nov. 22; Tuesday, Nov. 26; Tuesday, Dec. 3 through Friday, Dec. 6; Tuesday, Dec. 10 through Friday, Dec. 13; and Tuesday, Dec. 17 through Thursday, Dec. 19, according to findings released Thursday by the city Department of Transportation, which designates them “‘Gridlock Alert’ Days."

The Long Island Rail Road and other commuter railroads, the subway, the bus, cyclist and walking are the best option anytime of the year, but during those days especially, the department wrote in a news release. 

The slowest of the slow are next week, coinciding with the U.N. General Assembly, when street closures, security checkpoints and diplomat traffic will slow average speeds in Midtown Manhattan to below 4 mph — compared to an average speed of between 4 and 6 mph at other times.

In a statement, NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said: "The UN General Assembly is a great event each year the city is proud to host, but New Yorkers should do their part in minimizing congestion and seeking alternative modes of transportation."

The number of designated days has risen in recent years. Gridlock Alert Days started more than 40 years ago. There were six in 1983, 10 in 2017 and 16 in 2018. 

Garage trade groups have complained that on Alert Days, business plummets 30%.

Transit advocates have also said the alerts do nothing to alleviate congestion, and want the genre nixed in favor of "pop-up" busways, restricting vehicle occupancy in the highly congested areas, discounts on transit fares and higher parking fees, as well as more metered parking and getting rid of widespread parking placards.

The congestion pricing program was meant to reduce gridlock and fund mass transit. But Gov. Kathy Hochul indefinitely shelved it in June. It would have tolled drivers to enter Manhattan's business district and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority would have been allowed to raise the toll by 25% on Gridlock Alert Days.

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.