ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Turns out, folks are on the move – utilizing all forms of transportation, according to the New York State Department of Transportation.
What You Need To Know
“We’re seeing a full-scale return to travel,” New York State Department of Transportation officials said.
Despite worries about the economy, people are packing their bags.
NYS DOT officials say that the state of travel in New York is “robust.”
“I’m a planner, so I know if I’m traveling, I’ve got to make sure I have everything done so I don’t have to worry about it,” said Lisa Jackson. “I like to make sure my tires have good tread. Or do I need winter tires or new tires? I like to make sure that I have an oil change, a tire rotation and alignment.”
Jackson is one of thousands of people across New York preparing to take her car on the road. She is visiting Complete Automotive Solutions to make sure her car is winter roadworthy.
“A lot of people are scheduling appointments trying to do their maintenance before they go on trips. You know, make sure their tires, their brakes, suspension are all good for the long trips,” said the repair shop’s service manager, Nick Mastrodonato.
With the winter weather, lingering effects of the recent government shutdown and current economy – what is the state of travel in New York?
“I’d say it’s robust,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “We are definitely recovering from the government shutdown particularly in the aviation sector.”
Dominguez says people are packing their bags.
“We’re seeing a full-scale return to travel across the United States and, in particular, here in New York,” she said. “Every mode of transportation, planes, trains, roads, car, traffic, everything. People are actually getting out and they’re really getting around and we’re trying to make their travel as easy as possible.”
Whether it’s by air, railway or roadway, AAA says millions are traveling this holiday season with gas prices down.
“The trend is still downward,” said Paul Marone, of the Repair Shop and Gasoline Dealers Association of New York. “I think that, right now, the holiday prices for gasoline, it’s going to stay stable.”
The former East Avenue Auto owner agrees that keeping the car tuned up for road trips will help you safely reach your destination.
“Your car has to be ready for the weather. You can get good gas mileage like that if you prepare ahead. And you’re taking a trip, just go easy,” he said.
No matter how you get there, you’ll be in good company as plenty of others have the same idea.
“My best advice is always plan ahead. Be in touch with your airline, download the app, make sure you know what your logistics are, where do you need to go. Keep an eye on the weather, because obviously, it’s New York,” said Dominguez.