The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has announced the launch of “Bladerunner 2.0,” a sophisticated new system designed to enhance preparations for the upcoming winter snow season.
Mayor Eric Adams and DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch unveiled this advanced technology on Thursday, December 14th, which enables real-time data tracking of snow operations.
This upgrade will bolster the department’s ability to efficiently monitor its extensive fleet, which includes 5,000 snow plows and salt spreaders.
Despite facing a $5.5 million reduction in its budget as part of a 5% cut across all city agencies, the DSNY, with a total budget exceeding a billion dollars, has invested $96,000 in this innovative system.
DSNY Commissioner Tisch highlighted the department’s readiness for the snow season, noting, “We’re heading into this snow season with the highest headcount in sanitation workers that we’ve had in decades.”
Tisch added, “BladeRunner 2.0 is a state-of-the-art system that reflects this administration’s commitment to using technology to better serve this city.”
She reassured that the budget cuts would not impede snow removal operations.
Bladerunner 2.0 also includes a feature for tracking the last time streets were plowed, aiming to ensure equitable snow treatment of all neighborhoods and preventing the neglect of any streets.
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of community cooperation during snowstorms, stating, “Now, every street in all five boroughs is on a plow and salt route. And to help support our efforts, the best thing New Yorkers can do to help us get the roads clear when there is a storm is to stay off them — use mass transit if you must travel so our plows, salters, and briners, now powered by Bladerunner 2.0, can do their jobs. We’re ready, New York.”
This announcement comes at a time when the department boasts its largest workforce in two decades, and despite budgetary constraints, it has managed to allocate $500 million for the procurement of new vehicles.
The announcement also comes as New York City breaks its previous record for the longest period without measurable snowfall, with snowfall last being recorded in Central Park in February 2022. It has been over 650 days since an inch of snow has fallen on New York City, breaking the record from 1978 when there was a 383-day bout without snow.
These vehicles will be deployed to clear snow from the city’s 19,000 lane-miles of roadway.
