I'm writing to call your attention to the failing conditions in New York City on behalf of myself and the residents of the city. We adore this metropolis and are deeply concerned about its present condition. We recognize that your administration is developing and putting into action all required strategies to improve New York City. But over the past year, the level of transportation congestion has gotten worse every day. I've been paying close attention to this problem, and the transportation industry does indeed require significant changes. The city’s vehicle fleet in 2016 covered more miles compared to miles covered in 2015. Specifically, they logged 164 million kilometers in 2016 which was 25% increase when compared to 2015. This translates to consuming more gas and as a result emits more carbon monoxide which forms particulate matter and ground-level ozone. In this case, we all understand that emission of hazardous gases has emerged as a global concern. Besides, over the past one year, accidents have increased. For instance, in the last fiscal year, workers from the Department of Buildings caused more than 98 crashes compared to 22 crashes in 2012. Now, the city’s fleet has more than 30,000 vehicles, which is 10% bigger since you assumed your office of the mayor.
We appreciate the fact that increase in the number of city vehicles coincides with the rapid growth of the city’s workforce. But increase in driving pose a considerable challenge in the attempt of minimizing the fatality rate. I remember that you promised to reduce the traffic fatalities to zero and formulate solutions to pollution that cause climate change. In fact, we support your move to issue an executive order to show that New York City is committed to the Paris agreement following President Trump announcement that America might withdraw from the Paris treaty.
Also, we support the measures that you have put forth to reduce pollution such as the introduction of charging station for electric vehicles. These changing stations will motivate New Yorkers to buy vehicles which are considered to be zero-emission vehicles. But increase in driving is not in accordance with 2050 vision of reducing New York emissions by 80%. This concept demands people to decrease the number of miles driven substantially. If the current condition persists, there is no doubt your administration is heading in the wrong direction. It is crystal clear that the more vehicles we have on our streets, the difficult it will be to accomplish the goals you have outlined. This external problem of unchecked driving poses a significant threat to your hard work. Various ways can be employed to reduce the number of crashes which include reducing the number of vehicles on the streets, avoid dangerous driving, and design safer streets.
I believe that as a mayor of New York City, you have come up with various approaches to make our city a better place. But as a both New Yorker and loyal citizen, I am requesting you to formulate some ways to solve this disturbing issue of traffic. Many New Yorkers are concerned with the current status of our city. Since you took over the office of the mayor, the city’s fleet has racked up miles. This is a big challenge that has derailed the development of the city as well as undercut your goals.
I appreciate all that you do for the benefit of the city, and I look forward to witnessing positive developments.
Sincerely Yours,
References
Goodman, J. D. (2017, September 22). Under Mayor de Blasio, City Vehicles Rack Up Miles. Retrieved December 03, 2017, from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/22/nyregion/city-owned-vehicle-miles-crashes-de-blasio.html
Venkat Sumantran, Charles Fine and David Gonsalvez. (2017, October 16). Our cities need fewer cars, not cleaner cars. Retrieved December 03, 2017, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/16/our-cities-need-fewer-cars-not-cleaner-cars-electric-green-transport
