New distribution centers hope to cut down truck delivery traffic on residential streets
NEW YORK (WABC) -- A pilot program with new distribution centers to help cut delivery truck traffic on residential streets in New York City will start later this year.
The microhubs will provide temporary parking for large delivery trucks and allow packages to be transferred to smaller, cleaner vehicles -- like cargo bicycles, electric vans, or even hand trucks -- for delivery to residential customers.
Reducing delivery trucks on city streets makes pedestrians and delivery workers safer and reduces emissions, the city DOT believes.
City officials are identifying where the first test hub will go this summer and there will be up to 20 selected based on proximity to high-density areas and truck routes.
New York is looking at how it is being done internationally in places like Berlin and London as it envisions the future in the Big Apple.
Research shows that 80% of New Yorkers receive at least one package per week and 18% receive packages on four or more days per week.
Today, close to 90% of the city's goods are moved in and around the city by truck.
Residential delivery traffic has spiked in the city since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
"New Yorkers are receiving more deliveries than ever before, and we are pursuing creative ways to make these deliveries cleaner, safer, and more efficient by reducing the number of delivery trucks on our roads," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "These hubs will help better organize last-mile deliveries and support small and large businesses' economic recovery as we emerge from the pandemic."
DOT is collecting feedback from the community, freight operators and vehicle providers.
They plan to expand the program with more test hubs in the fall of 2024 and a final report on the program is targeted for late 2026.
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