But the trains and buses do seem overcrowded these days. How will we convince more people to take mass transit when it's so crowded? It's one thing to urge people to take mass transit instead of driving, but it's another to create conditions that induce subway usage. The MTA and NYPD's commitment over the last 20 years to cleaning up the subway system and reducing crime have increased subway usage dramatically. But now many subway line are reaching their breaking point. Even on the weekend when there are less commuters and school kids filling the system, service is infrequent enough that the trains are still crowded.

Here are some short and long term ideas for reducing overcrowding on the subways.

1. Increase subway service on the weekends to improve service and reduce overcrowding.
   
2. Build out the biking infrastructure (Protected lanes, indoor/secure parking) to encourage shorter trips to be done by bike instead of subway/bus.
   
3. Accelerate system expansion - especially finishing the complete Second Avenue Subway as quickly as possible.
   
4. Quickly expand the BRT roll-out to supplement subway service and consider light rail for many
   
5. Encourage more mixed use walkable pedestrian neighborhoods that eliminate the need for subway and bus utilization.

It's time for the city to get serious about long term planning to substantially increase the capacity of mass transit to safely and comfortably move people around and through our great city. And where will the money for all this come from? Perhaps congestion pricing, or changed formulas of how transportation money is matched by the Federal government on highways versus mass transit?

But now is the time to begin planning for better quality, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system.