Lawmakers and stakeholders met Wednesday for a joint hearing on the state's transportation budget, which covers roads, bridges and transit.

On display was the challenge of maintaining upstate New York’s aging infrastructure, while finding ways to invest in new forms of public transportation and making sure passengers are using the systems safely.

State Transportation Department Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez touted the state's accomplishments last year, including completing more than 1,500-lane miles of highway repairs.

While looking ahead to priorities in 2024, she cited the Livingston Avenue Bridge replacement in Albany, the continuation of the I-81 viaduct project in Syracuse and the Kensington Expressway project in Buffalo, projects that have run into significant challenges.

“Which will create a greener, more sustainable transportation system that will enhance the quality of life for the communities that they serve,” Hochul said.

On many lawmakers minds, however, was safety.

“It appears there are greater traffic fatalities, incidents of speeding, distracted driving. What is the department doing to combat these trends?” asked Assembly Member William Magnarelli.

“We are working with the governor’s traffic safety council and other entities to make sure the level of enforcement and awareness is there. So whether that’s e-bike safety, or bridge hits, we’ve got a taskforce looking at that,” Dominguez said.

James Morell, president of the New York Public Transportation Association, said he came to ask lawmakers for an even bigger bump than the 5.4% increase included in the executive budget.

“We’re looking for increases about 15 percent for non-MTA systems and suburban systems,” he told Spectrum News 1.

He said the additional funds are essential for the state’s transit systems to be able to reach climate goals, support economic development and expand services at a time when they are working to improve accessibility and function.

“On-demand services that CDTA has been spearheading throughout the state, a high-level quality of service, five-minute, 10-minute service in certain areas would just be great for economic development,” he said.

One priority under that umbrella is expanding the use of bus rapid transit across the state.