It seems logical that before the traffic flow problems that plagued the 2016 New York State Fair can be remedied, there has to be an analysis of what caused them. Sure, it’s too many cars headed to the same places at the same time. It was especially horrific on Sep. 2, the day of the Florida-Georgia Line concert at the amphitheater, as concert fans headed for the orange lot at the same time fairgoers poured into the area to enjoy a lovely Friday afternoon on the grounds.
Fair officials and television commercials heavily lobbied for the use of Centro’s park-and-ride system, 
suggesting that people heading for Geddes would have an easier trip if they bussed in from lots in Camillus, Dewitt, downtown, Long Branch Park and other spots. But many reports suggested that mobs of concert fans and Fair patrons stood in long lines and found their own headaches using that system.
Meanwhile, as parking lots neared capacity and entrance ramps were occasionally closed, traffic was diverted or stalled altogether.
Apparent causes of the traffic issues include:
Fewer parking spaces due to reconfiguration of the Fairgrounds.
Not enough driveways into and out of lots, especially when entrances were closed.
Amphitheater shows adding to congestion as more people converged on the area at the same time.
Use of lots was at times inefficient as they were closed or cars were directed to long lines for distant spaces when there were open spaces nearby.
Record crowds approaching from all directions encouraged by nice weather and curiosity to see the changed venue, 
not to mention the Paw Patrol effect.
Possible ways to improve the system:
Get Live Nation to avoid scheduling concerts at the amp during the Fair. Grandstand shows helped draw customers—the new venue just makes it more difficult to attend.
If people are to be convinced that bussing in from satellite locations is easier, it has to actually be made easier, perhaps by adding locations and certainly by adding busses.
Do whatever can be done to open up space on or near Fair property that could be used for additional parking.
There are only so many roads and highways, but maybe more ramps and entrances could be opened to get cars off the roads quicker.
Use cameras to monitor lots for open spaces and keep accurate track of parking spaces.
Use trams to bring patrons through the park area from Long Branch Park.
To be honest, trying to figure this out is headache-inducing. It’s not fun as the Fair should be. But it is important to get this straight. A repeat of this mess next year is not acceptable and could actually cause people to avoid attending the Fair.
Be assured we haven’t heard the last of this discussion.
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