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White Plains, NY,—"You can if you van" was the message delivered today in White Plains as New York State Department of Transportation representatives and elected officials from Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess and Putnam Counties unveiled a fleet of brightly colored vans in the dramatic launch of a program aimed at reducing commuter traffic on Interstate 287.

Easy Street NY offers employers and commuters an opportunity to improve the quality of the I-287 commute through vanpooling and train/bus shuttle programs.

NYSDOT's Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said, "Under Governor Pataki's leadership the Department of Transportation continues to support these smart investments into our transportation infrastructure. Reducing traffic congestion will help companies attract and retain employees in the Hudson Valley."

"Easy Street NY provides a low-cost, high-value benefit to commuters and companies in the crowded I-287 corridor," said Robert A. Dennison, Region 8 Director, NYSDOT. "It offers an innovative way to reduce single occupancy vehicle use and improve the commuting experience."

"This is a positive step toward developing solutions to traffic congestion that will also help companies in Westchester County attract and retain employees," said Andrew Spano, Westchester County Executive. "Easy Street NY offers a host of benefits to commuters and it helps preserve the economic vitality of the important I-287 corridor."

"Easy Street NY provides a region-wide, long-term, environmentally-sustainable solution to move commuters along the corridor to worksites in Westchester County," said Scott Vanderhoef, Rockland County Executive. "It offers a low-cost/high-value benefit to commuters who live in Rockland County, as well as Orange, Dutchess and Putnam."

"Commuters in Putnam County can benefit from this vital new program," said Putnam County Executive Robert J. Bondi. "It offers an important combination of economy and flexibility to the taxpayers of this region."

Orange County Executive Edward Diana called Easy Street NY "good news for Orange County commuters. This program promises improvements to the commute and lower costs for commuters, with no cost to taxpayers. "

Individuals and employers interested in vanpooling need only say so, either by calling 1-800-FIND-RIDE or by visiting the project web site, www.easystreetny.com and the staff at MetroPool, the mobility solutions organization coordinating the program, will go to work to coordinate a van program to meet their needs. The web site includes a unique discussion form where commuters can share ideas and experiences about vanpooling and other forms of commuting.

"Vanpoolers enjoy convenience and safety benefits and a reduction in maintenance costs on their own vehicles. Instead of worrying about the drive to work, vanpoolers can read, pop open a laptop, chat with their vanpool buddies or even catch up on their sleep," said Larry Salley, Commissioner, Westchester County Department of Transportation.

"It's easy to join a vanpool," said John Lyons, President, MetroPool. "It takes no work on the part of the commuter. On top of that, it saves time, money and stress."

For a fixed low monthly fare, seven to twelve commuters share the ride from home or a centrally located park and ride lot, with the monthly fare computed to include mileage, van costs, insurance, fuel, tolls, maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance. Drivers are pre-screened, and an orientation meeting is held for each vanpool group to provide information and answer questions.

Under Easy Street NY, MetroPool will also work with employers, property managers, municipalities and others to establish connections between residences or park and ride lots and area train or bus stations and between stations and work sites or corporate parks. The program will be coordinated with area transit operators to avoid duplication of service.

If their employer has a Commuter Choice or Commute-n-Save program, vanpoolers can also set aside up to $100 per month tax-free to pay for their vanpool fares.

Easy Street NY is a not-for-profit initiative sponsored by the New York State Department of Transportation and is administered by MetroPool, Inc.