A bipartisan group of 11 elected officials and 16 labor, environmental equity, good government and transportation organizations has called on the state Department of Transportation to ensure the Tappan Zee Bridge is rebuilt with mass transit options.

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign, which includes Tarrytown Mayor Drew Fixell, Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner, state Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/35th District), state Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti (D/92nd District) and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, maintains the bridge must accommodate bus rapid transit across the four-mile span when it opens.

The group pointed out that by the state’s own estimates, more than 50,000 people would utilize bus rapid transit across the bridge daily. In addition, a rail line from Rockland to New York City would attract an additional 29,000 riders. Both additions would reduce traffic congestion and pollution, according to the group.

“A new Tappan Zee Bridge must contain bus rapid transit from the start, otherwise economic growth, cleaner air and commuter concerns will all be at risk,” Astorino said. “The bridge needs to be built and built quickly, but the design must look forward, not back to the 1950s.”

“We need to move more people, not more cars,” Abinanti said. “Moving more cars across the bridge faster will just increase the traffic congestion in Westchester and degrade the environment and quality of life in our Westchester communities.”

The state DOT has projected adding bus and rail transit to the project would cost an additional $10 billon or more to the $5.2 billion price tag. However, Fixell said it would be money well spent.

“While it is encouraging that the state’s proposal for the Tappan Zee Bridge contains the capacity for future mass transit, the plan is incomplete without a solid commitment guaranteeing the near-term implementation of a true BRT system,” Fixell said. “If the project is to be a true engine of future economic growth, it is imperative that it include this vital infrastructure improvement, as it is the one feature that will significantly reduce traffic congestion and therefore speed the flow of goods and people and increase efficiency.”

The proposed bridge currently would feature eight lanes (four in each direction), wider shoulders and bicycle and walking paths. The existing 56-year-old structure is seven lanes with a moveable barrier. The state is expected to unveil its final plans on the bridge replacement by August.