nymtc regional freight plan - New York Metropolitan Transportation ...

A Freight Plan for the NYMTC Region
NYSDOT is re-engineering and automating the processes for New York State DOT’s
Divisible Load and Special Hauling permit programs. New processes have been developed
to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Permit Section. These processes
include the increased integration of structural engineering analysis and the use of graphical
mapping software using New York’s extensive GIS. The system will be integrated
with a centralized electronic payment component currently being selected by NYSDOT. It
also will be integrated with the New York State Police Information Network (NYSPIN) for
enforcement verification and violation management. This will result in the inclusion of
1-D bar codes on all issued credentials and make possible field verification of valid permits
by state troopers with hand held devices that incorporate bar code readers. The
readers will be synchronized with active permit data on a daily basis.
The New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) is developing a new Special Hauling
Permit System. Motor carriers and permit services now have the ability to apply for and
receive special hauling permits via the Internet or using the PC-based version of Permit CS .
Once applications are received at NYSTA, the Permit CS system automatically screens the
application; verifies the safety of the route requested by the motor carrier; calculates and
collects permit fees; and provides an automated interface to the Bridge Department,
NYSTA’s accounting system, enforcement officials, and NYSTA’s toll facilities for issuance
and verification of permits in the field.
Transportation Impacts
Automation is expected to enhance roadway safety and security by permitting more thorough
screening of vehicle and driver credentials and more targeted enforcement activities
on high-risk operators. This can reduce truck-related crashes and non-recurring congestion,
improve revenue collection, and increase commercial vehicle and DOT productivity.
Other Impacts
By improving the flow of truck traffic, automation is likely to lower truck-generated pollutants,
reduce the time and cost of truck deliveries, and improve truck delivery reliability.
It is non-corridor-specific, but can improve regional connectivity in general. There are
no significant physical barriers to automating commercial vehicle permitting, credentialing,
and enforcement systems, but institutional barriers relating to industry and agency
acceptance of new technologies are potentially high.
Responsible Organizations/Action Plan
NYSDOT and NYSTA – Complete statewide permitting system improvements already
under development.
Cambridge Systematics, Inc. 5-14