The Institute for Rational Urban Mobility, Inc (IRUM) was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in New York State in February 1997 and received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS in May 1997. IRUM is governed by a three-member Board of Directors.

IRUM was formed to study and promote the enhanced livability and increased economic competitiveness of New York City and other dense urban areas through a program of innovative transport reforms. Upon its formation, IRUM assumed responsibility for Auto-Free New York (AFNY), a committee formed by Transportation Alternatives in 1989. IRUM's goals are articulated in its Livable City Transport Plan, which contains 15 interrelated near-term strategies for improving public transport, reducing car use and enhancing the walking environment in New York City. This plan has been updated periodically, and underlies the many formal statements made by IRUM at public meetings about transportation plans and projects. A key strategy is to establish a "carrot-and-stick" approach to reducing motor vehicular traffic in the core of the city. To further grasp the dimensions of this strategy, IRUM studied the consequences of establishing a substantial Cordon Toll around the Manhattan Central Business District (CBD) and using the proceeds of this toll to fund free public transit. This study, completed in 2008, was funded by the Kheel Foundation. (The Cordon Toll was enacted by the NYS Legislature as part of its budget in 2019, although it is on hold until the pandemic is tamed.)

IRUM established a number of working groups which meet regularly on a monthly basis since its establishment. Each monthly meeting featured a well respected speaker who is concerned with reducing car use in NYC as well reviewing progress on IRUM initiatives. Over 200 meetings have been held to date, and some 20 to 30 persons attend each meeting. A mailing list of over 400 has been compiled from these meetings.

In 2007 IRUM began its advocacy for vision42, a plan for an Auto-Free Light Rail Boulevard on 42nd Street in Manhattan, chaired by architect and author Roxanne Warren. Thanks to several generous grants from foundations, IRUM engaged a number of well-respected consultants to conduct detailed studies of the economic benefits, costs and traffic impacts of this proposal. The studies are available at www.vision42.org. IRUM hosted a global digital design competition managed by the Architects Newspaper to increase interest in this project. Some 200 proposals were judged by a distinguished panel of design experts, and an exhibition featuring the four finalists was hosted by the Durst Organization in the conference room of their newly completed Bank of America Tower, in December 2014.

IRUM formed the Regional Rail Working Group to advocate for remaking the sleeping giant of metropolitan mobility of the region's three commuter rail lines into a coordinated regional rail network with frequent service, integrated fares and through running, initially at Penn Station, then by linking Penn Station with Grand Central Terminal. IRUM sponsored an exhibit hosted by the Municipal Art Society in their Urban Gallery in September 2007.

With the outset of the pandemic IRUM suspended its in-person meetings but continues its activities through the digital media, posted on www.irum.org

November 1, 2020

George Haikalis, President, Institute for Rational Urban Mobility, Inc.
One Washington Square Village, Suite 5D, New York, NY 10012
212-475-3394      geo@irum.org      www.irum.org