NEW YORK (PIX11) -- The MTA held its fourth and final public hearing about congestion pricing Monday night, with 286 people registered to speak.
“We cannot drive our way out of the climate crisis,” said Julie Tighe, the night’s first speaker who supports congestion pricing.
“We need more transit service to persuade more New Yorkers to use the system,” said Richard Davis, president of TWU Local 100, which represents transit workers. “That’s the bottom line.”
“I very strongly support congestion pricing,” said Matthew McLaughlin. “I hope that it makes it more enjoyable for me to live in my neighborhood and bike around and that I don’t have to fear being killed every day when I go outside.”
“I’m so tired,” said Tai Barzilai. “They [the MTA] keep asking for money. I want to know where is the money going they already have before even thinking about this.”
Under the current proposal, cars entering the Central Business District below 60th Street would be charged $15 during peak hours. Peak hours are defined as 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. During non-peak hours, prices would fall 75% to $3.75.
For trucks, peak rates would cost $24 or $36, depending on size, and $6 or $8 overnight. Drivers would only be charged once per day. Yellow taxis, green cabs and black cars would be charged $1.25 per trip. App-based for-hire vehicles would be charged $2.50 per trip.
Residents within the Central Business District ask for a 90% discount, saying they should not be penalized for where they live.
“There has to be an exemption for the residents,” said Alexandra Preite, who lives within the zone.
New Yorkers living with disabilities advocated for congestion pricing to fund essential mass transit improvements.
“I’m tired of no elevators,” said Joel Chapman, a New Yorker who lives with a disability. “I’m tired of broken elevators. I’m tired of getting stuck on the platform.”
The MTA board will now discuss and vote on the proposal. That could happen by the end of March. People can submit comments online through March 11.
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