Cornell Will Not Support Mass Transit Task Force Report if it Sidetracks Rockland’s Needs

Chairwoman of the Rockland County Legislature Harriet Cornell advised the task force formed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to study ways to identify mass transit options for the new TZB/I-287 corridor that she is not in agreement with the draft outline for the final report.  The draft does not consider bridge access to Metro North’s Hudson rail line or other design options for Rockland bus riders and places West of the Hudson Rail Improvements on the long-term recommendation list – a project list that will not be addressed until 2033 or later.  The Task Force was given a year to study mass transit options, costs and funding sources and prepare a final report on its recommendations by the end of 2013.  Cornell addressed her displeasure and concerns in a statement made at the Mass Transit Task Force meeting of October 25, 2013.  

Cornell, who is a member of the Task Force and is a vocal advocate for improved commuter options for Rockland County, said the draft outline is an insult to Rockland.  “This draft ignores the Task Force responsibilities to Rockland to address two travel markets that are vital to our commuters; Rockland to Westchester and Rockland to Manhattan,” said Cornell.  “Rockland has limited commuter options to Manhattan that don’t involve the New Jersey Transit System; so when it comes to service improvements this reality makes Rockland an orphan without loving parents:  not fully embraced by New York, and not part of New Jersey. For years, and at every possible occasion, I have advocated for better transit options and urged the creation of a fund to be dedicated to improvement of West of Hudson transit.”

Chairwoman Cornell stated that she could not support a final report that disregards the need, in the short-term, to study concepts that could improve commuter options for Rockland and other communities west of the Hudson.