New York State Department of Transportation

MISSION STATEMENT It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to ensure our customers - those who live, work and travel in New York State -- have a safe, efficient, balanced and environmentally sound transportation system. Five Priority Results Our customers: 1. Want to enhance their mobility and have reliable, predictable trips for themselves or in the movement of their goods; 2. Expect both the infrastructure and its users to contribute to the physical safety of people and their goods while in transit; 3. Recognize the critical relationship between a mature, multi-modal transportation system and the state's economic vitality. They see viable transportation options as essential to both economic sustainability and livability of their communities, both Upstate and Downstate; 4. Expect the transportation infrastructure to be secure from external threat or potential abuse; and 5. See the impact of transportation-related decisions at both macro and micro levels affecting the environment and expect the system to more than mitigate transportation's impact. VALUES Integrity We earn the public's trust! We are honest and fair in all our actions and programs, holding to the highest moral, ethical and legal standards. Customer Service We satisfy customers! We listen to our customers, communicating effectively to address their needs, enhance their quality of life, and support the State's economy. Partnership We work with others! We work closely and cooperatively with other transportation providers, contractors, consultants and suppliers, elected officials, local governments, and oversight agencies. Teamwork We work together! We benefit from working as a team, combining our diversity and strengths for a common purpose. People We respect each other! We respect our coworkers for their hard work, excellent skills and responsible actions. Excellence We do it right! We ensure the best transportation system possible. HISTORY Past Present With more than two centuries of service that includes building the Erie Canal and developing today's highways, mass transit systems and jet airports, the New York State Department of Transportation's rich history is a function of the Department and its predecessors being the longest tenured line function in New York State government. - In 1777 the Office of Surveyor-General was reorganized from its colonial Dutch and English beginnings to survey lands that had been vested in the state during and following the Revolutionary war. - In 1846 the Office of State Engineer and Surveyor succeeded the Surveyor-General's Office. - In 1878 the Department of Public Works was established with its principal duty to supervise the canals that were begun in 1817 and completed in 1825. - In 1907 the Public Service Commission assumed responsibility for the economic and safety regulation of privately operated transportation; railroad and bus safety inspection; and, approval for the installation of protection for or elimination of at-grade rail highway crossings. - In 1909 the Highway Act established the New York State Department of Highways. - In 1923 a unified Department of Public Works evolved with responsibility for highways, canals and public buildings. Today In 1967 the New York State Department of Transportation was formed to deal with the state's complex transportation system and the ever-increasing need to coordinate the development of transportation with each mode serving its best purpose. Today, the New York State transportation network includes: - A state and local highway system that annually handles over 130 billion vehicle miles. This total system encompasses more than 113,000 highway miles and more than 17,400 bridges. - An extensive 3,500-mile rail network over which 68 million tons of equipment, raw materials, manufactured goods and produce are shipped each year. - 485 public and private aviation facilities through which more than 80 million people travel each year. - Over 130 public transit operators, serving more than 80 million passengers each day. - 12 major public and private ports.