Urban Deliveries Case Studies Combined 2025

Incentives programme To support adoption, NYC launched the OHD Incentive Programme in 2024, offering one-time reimbursements to businesses that commit to at least one year of off-hour deliveries for a portion of their operations. The incentives framework addresses two adoption barriers identified in pilot research: financial constraints for smaller businesses and safety concerns around unattended deliveries.16 Eligible expenses for participating businesses include building access and security systems, low-noise cargo handling equipment and sustainable delivery modes, such as electric vans and cargo bikes.17 The first application window ran from August to November 2024. Small and mid-sized businesses are especially encouraged to apply. However, businesses of all sizes are eligible. Operational data collected from selected participants will inform future phases and track the effects of shifting to off-hours.Outreach and engagement Outreach has been continuous throughout the programme’s development. Strategies include social media campaigns, press releases, door-to-door outreach, printed materials and webinars for prospective participants. Since 2018, the dedicated OHD website has provided resources for businesses and carriers. Webinars were expanded in 2024 to coincide with the launch of the incentive programme.18 NYCDOT maintains regular communication with programme partners to track participation and address concerns. This includes standing meetings with long-term partners and ongoing support through email and the 311 system.19Timeline The OHD programme’s evolution demonstrates systematic scaling from pilot to citywide implementation. Year Milestones 2009 –Pilot launched in Manhattan with 25 receivers and eight transporters, generating initial feasibility data. 2016 –Publication of OneNYC, marking an official commitment to expand to new locations. 2019 –NYCDOT launched a citywide marketing effort, including site banners, email outreach and LinkedIn promotion. –By the end of the year, OHD reached 700 locations. 2020 –Amid COVID-19 disruptions, NYCDOT collaborated with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) to coordinate municipal off-hour deliveries. –Despite the pandemic, the programme grew to 904 locations.12 –NYC’s 311 system was integrated to manage public inquiries, support new participants and address noise concerns. 2021 –Federal CMAQ funding secured, enabling expansion to 1,114 locations with enhanced technical assistance.13 2023–2025 –NYCDOT built out the OHD Incentives Programme, which offers one-time monetary incentives to businesses to ease common barriers to adoption.14 –The MTA’s congestion pricing tolling programme went live, creating a secondary source for the city to fund the incentives programme, and channelling sustained funding into programme growth.15 2026 –Implementation of the incentives programme through 2029 and broader marketing outreach will continue.