Friday, September 20, 2024 A new report suggests that the worsening traffic congestion in Manhattan has led to emergency response times reaching record highs. This issue, which has been gradually intensifying, has major implications for both the safety of residents and the experience of visitors to the city. State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and former city Traffic Commissioner Sam Schwartz, known as “Gridlock Sam,” unveiled this report, revealing that vehicle speeds in Midtown and lower Manhattan are slower than ever before, causing delays in emergency responses across all agencies.
Utilizing GPS data from taxis and other for-hire vehicles, the report estimates that vehicular traffic in Midtown moves at a snail’s pace, averaging just 4.8 mph. The traffic speed for all of Manhattan south of 60th Street is only slightly better, at 6.
9 mph. This slow movement is having an alarming impact on emergency response times, including those for ambulances, police vehicles, and fire trucks. The report, expected to be released officially on Friday, comes just days before the start of the United Nations General Assembly, which annually causes a surge in traffic congestion in Manhattan.
The timing highlights the critical nature of the issue, as dignitaries arrive and security cordons further restrict movement, contributing to the already dire traffic situation. In recent years, Manhattan has seen a marked increase in emergency response times, a trend that mirrors the growing congestion in the borough. The report reveals that the average response time for emergency medical services (EMS) in life-threatening situations has climbed from about 9 minutes and 40 seconds in 2014 to 12 minutes and 26 seconds in 2024, representing a 29% increase.
Of this delay, increased travel time accounts for approximately one and a half minutes. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has also seen its response time to critical incidents—such as shootings, robberies, and burglaries—worsen by 23% over the same period. In 2014, the average response time was just under 8 minutes; today, that figure has risen to 9 minutes and 41 seconds, with most of the delay attributed to longer travel times through the city’s congested streets.
Meanwhile, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has seen the most dramatic increase in response times. In the last decade, their average response time to medical emergencies has soared from 8 minutes and 19 seconds to 14 minutes and 16 seconds, a staggering 72% rise. Traffic-related delays account for 2 minutes of this 6-minute increase, though the reasons behind the full extent of the delay remain unclear.
The city’s annual management report suggests that the FDNY is working to improve patient turnaround times at local hospitals, which may help reduce these delays in the future. Hoylman-Sigal and Schwartz argue that the growing congestion poses a serious threat to public safety, particularly in medical emergencies where every minute counts. The report points to multiple studies indicating that even a minute or two of extra travel time can make the difference between life and death in situations involving strokes or cardiac arrest.
One notable example that spurred Hoylman-Sigal’s interest in the issue occurred on June 25, when he witnessed a man suffering in pain on West 28th Street. Despite repeated calls to 911 and efforts to flag down passing vehicles, an ambulance did not arrive for 37 minutes. While the man eventually recovered, Hoylman-Sigal deemed the delay unacceptable and vowed to address the issue.
According to the report, the delays caused by traffic congestion place both residents and visitors at greater risk, as emergency response teams struggle to navigate through Manhattan’s increasingly clogged streets. This problem is particularly concerning for travelers unfamiliar with the city’s layout, who may find themselves in vulnerable situations while waiting for help to arrive. In response to the rising congestion and its impact on emergency services, both Hoylman-Sigal and Schwartz advocate for a series of measures aimed at easing traffic and improving response times.
A central part of their proposal is the state’s congestion pricing program, which was halted by Governor Kathy Hochul in June, just before its planned implementation. The program would impose tolls on vehicles entering the busiest parts of Manhattan, thereby reducing traffic and creating a more streamlined flow of vehicles. The report urges for the immediate reinstatement of this program to help alleviate the gridlock.
Other recommendations include reinstating limits on the number of Ubers, Lyfts, and other app-hail electric cars allowed to operate in the city. The report highlights the surge in these vehicles following City Hall’s decision to open up licensing for an unlimited number of ride-hailing electric cars in 2022. This increase has contributed to congestion, and Schwartz and Hoylman-Sigal believe reintroducing caps could help ease the traffic burden.
Additionally, the report calls for the transfer of parking enforcement responsibilities from the NYPD back to the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT), which managed these duties until 1995. The report suggests that this change could improve efficiency in keeping streets clear, especially during peak traffic hours. Finally, the report advocates for the restoration of the Traffic Commissioner position under the Department of Transportation, a role that Schwartz himself held from 1982 to 1986.
This position, they argue, is crucial for overseeing traffic flow and implementing strategies to reduce congestion across the city. For the travel industry, particularly in Manhattan, the findings of this report have significant implications. The increased congestion and slower response times could lead to reputational damage for New York City as a tourist destination, especially for visitors who may find themselves in emergency situations.
The perception of safety and accessibility is crucial to maintaining the city’s appeal as a global travel hub. Furthermore, the report highlights how ongoing congestion could disrupt major events and international gatherings, such as the United Nations General Assembly, where visiting dignitaries and security measures already cause traffic chaos. The report suggests that this week—when the assembly takes place—will be the slowest traffic week of the year, leading to even longer delays for emergency services.
As congestion in Manhattan reaches critical levels, the impact on emergency response times is becoming a pressing concern. With record-high delays in reaching those in need, both residents and visitors are placed at risk. The recommendations outlined by Hoylman-Sigal and Schwartz offer potential solutions to mitigate the problem, but swift action is required to ensure that New Yorkers and travelers alike are safe.
The future of Manhattan’s traffic management, and by extension, its ability to serve as a safe and attractive destination, hangs in the balance..
