One of the microhubs will be located on 73rd and Amsterdam Avenue (Google Maps)
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has unveiled a three-year pilot program to introduce on-street “microhub zones,” aimed at mitigating the environmental and safety challenges posed by truck deliveries.
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The three Upper West Side “microhub zones” will be located at West 73rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, West 77th Street and Broadway, and West 85th Street and Broadway.
These zones are part of NYC DOT’s “Smart Curbs” program, which aims to optimize curb space, reduce traffic congestion, and improve safety in densely populated areas. As part of the program, approximately 175 parking spaces have been removed on the Upper West Side. Each “microhub zone” will be designated to one delivery company for exclusive use through an annual permit. The price for this permit has not been disclosed.
c/o NYC DOT
The ultimate goal is to cut down the number of big trucks navigating local streets. The DOT states that 90% of freight coming into the city is on trucks. Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi said, “Well-placed microhubs allow trucks to avoid traveling further into neighborhoods, letting less intrusive options like cargo bikes complete the final delivery leg.”
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Each on-street microhub will occupy approximately 80-100 feet of curb lane space and will include signage, safety barriers, and areas for sorting packages onto e-cargo bikes, handcarts, and smaller electric sprinter vans, according to the report. The DOT will collect data from each microhub to assess the success of the pilot, such as tracking sustainable vehicle types and delivery volumes.
“New Yorkers are receiving more deliveries than ever before, and “microhub zones” will make them greener and safer by reducing the number of big trucks navigating local streets,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez in a press release. The program incorporated feedback it received during a public feedback and comment period conducted in 2024. DOT says the public will have future opportunities to adjust the “microhubs” program if they decide to implement it permanently.
The Upper West Side is the first neighborhood to pilot on-street “microhub zones.” The DOT will examine factors such as truck route proximity to bike lanes and transit, as well as delivery demand in neighborhoods to determine future hub locations.
The program is set to begin this year. For more information, you can read the press release here.
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Trucks will take those spots and also double park next to them, if the city was really serious about congestion, and not just making a buck from the working person, they should give HUGE fines for trucks double parking, Sometimes for hours. Right now, they get a $115 ticket, which they drive around with on their windshield all day. Those companies will gladly pay $115 to park wherever they want in Manhattan all day. Companies like FedEx and UPS don’t even pay all the tickets they owe, they negotiate a price at the end of the year. Travel down Columbus avenue in the 80s and it’s often cut down to ONE traffic lane. If they people who run the the city really wanted to stop trucks double parking and thus congestion, charge $1000.
The City isn’t serious about congestion. The Mayor is serious about punishing the IWS and making his corporate owners happy. Wait until you see the massive “bicycle trucks” that will be using our side walks. It’s despicable.
Does this mean the City will be getting rid of the Amsterdam “bike” lane? Oh wait, if that were the case then pedestrians crossing Amsterdam going west bound wouldn’t have to concern themselves with “bike” “riders” driving full speed through a redlight even though they don’t have a clear view of the crosswalk to the east because a big truck is there.
Anyhow, since of course the City won’t be removing the ill consider “bike” lane, what the odds that the delivery companies (Amazon in particular) don’t take up traffic lanes IN ADDITION to the designated lane.
& now MORE bikes, e-cycles threatening life & limb. Trucks ARE a problem. So are delivery bike mad-men.
This has been a long time coming and I for one will keep my fingers crossed that it works out to meet its promise. And I sure hope it means that Fresh Direct will have to move from its veritable permanent occupancy 24/7 for about the last 5 years at southbound Broadway & 70th Street, where they are a nuisance and a hazard. Please, please, please, Commissioner Rodriguez, make sure Fresh Direct uses one of the hubs instead of Bway & 70th. Thank you
Fresh direct are also on Amsterdam between 91st and 92nd all day everyday and they are an absolute nightmare.
Article is misleading. The new loading zones will remove only one or two dozen parking spots, not 175. Many of the spots removed will be to get garbage off the sidewalks into ratproof bins. Please clarify.