Photo: Trevis Rothwell (Flickr)
New York’s MTA seeks public feedback on congestion pricing
23 September 2021
by Christopher Carey
New Yorkers will have the chance to voice their opinions and concerns on proposed congestion pricing plans this week when the first in a series of public engagement meetings gets underway.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will host 13 virtual meetings over the next three weeks for the proposed scheme, named the Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP).
Ten of the 13 meetings will allow members of the public throughout the 28-county ‘study area’ in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to learn about the programme and the environmental review process, and offer the opportunity to give feedback on proposals.
The additional three meetings will provide a special focus for individuals and stakeholder groups in identified ‘environmental justice’ communities, to learn about potential impacts – positive or negative – on minority or low-income populations.
Speaking at a recent board meeting, Acting MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said: “We’re really now engaged – on the cusp of going 100 miles an hour, pardon the pun – in this public review process, which will open the door to the implementation of congestion pricing.”
Initial proposal
The proposed congestion pricing scheme – approved by former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo almost two and a half years ago – would see motorists travelling into or within Manhattan’s central business district liable for a daily charge.
While the exact price has not been set, it is expected to cover almost all cars, trucks, and vehicles in the zone, with exceptions for emergency vehicles, vehicles transporting people with disabilities, or vehicles belonging to families living in the zone with a household income of US$60,000 a year or less.
It is estimated the CBDTP would take in US$1 billion a year, and allow the MTA to unlock $15 billion in debt financing to fund much-needed upgrades and repairs for its ageing public transit system.
Past proposals have recommended charging between US$8-14 for cars and US$25 for trucks, but the cost will likely fluctuate based on the time of day and other considerations.
The online meetings will be held via Zoom and live-streamed on MTA’s YouTube channel and the new project website. Those wishing to comment on proposals must sign up by 5.30 pm the night before the event.
Image: Trevis Rothwell (Flickr)
