For Immediate Release: December 10, 2007

Thruway Authority and Department of Transportation Announce Expanded New Paltz Park and Ride Lot Open to Commuters

The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation today announced that the newly expanded New Paltz Park and Ride parking lot has been completely reopened.

“The Authority is pleased that the New Paltz Park and Ride lot was expanded by 75 spaces, now offering a total of 145 spaces providing more commuter parking spaces which will help promote car pooling and in turn helping the environment,” said Michael R. Fleischer, Executive Director of the Thruway Authority.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn said, “The almost $350,000 the Department provided for this parking expansion project means more commuting choices for the residents of New Paltz. By more than doubling the available parking at the New Paltz Park and Ride, the Department of Transportation and the Thruway Authority are encouraging car pooling and bus ridership, two behaviors that ease congestion by taking cars off the road and help improve the quality of our air.”

“There is a high demand for commuter lots in this area and therefore the Village of New Paltz is delighted to see the expansion of the New Paltz Park and Ride lot. The response to this need on the part of the Thruway Authority and Department of Transportation is greatly appreciated,” said the Village of New Paltz Mayor Dungen.

"Given the cost of fuel and concerns with congestion, Trailways is pleased that the New York State Department of Transportation has given residents in the area the opportunity to park their cars and ride our buses. The expansion of the lot was much needed and helps meet the growing demand for alternatives to more car traffic," said Anne M. Noonan, Vice President of Marketing and Traffic for Adirondack Trailways.

Portions of the lot have been closed since the beginning of November in order to add parking spaces to the lot. The lot now has 145 parking spaces available.

Due to the seasonal limitations, pavement sealing and permanent striping will take place next spring.

The Department of Transportation designed and funded this project which was performed by Merritt Construction of Saugerties, New York at a cost of $346,000.

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The Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway.  To sign up for the TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Authority’s website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.

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