NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Comments about congestion pricing from hundreds of people during about 10 hours of public hearings have been added to the record.
Four sessions wrapped up Monday evening. The MTA board has the next discussion and final vote.
The current proposal was drafted by a board appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The framework for the program was created by state law in 2019 to provide a dedicated funding source to subway bus, LIRR and Metro-North Railroad improvement projects.
Any change to the price or exemptions must meet the law requirement to raise $1 billion a year.
The board discussion and vote could be done at the end of March. MTA officials have said they believe the project could be up and running by the summer.
Courts do have to rule on several cases challenging the environmental reviews done by the MTA at the direction of the federal government.
Supporters want to see the projects, which include elevators, new signals for better service, and system expansion.
Opponents asked the MTA to reconsider the fee, discounts and exemptions.
The proposal currently has day and night rates, including a $15 fee for most cars during the day. There's a $5 discount for drivers using the tunnels. Trucks would pay more and there would be a per-ride charge for taxis and app-based rides.
Exemptions have been set already for people with disabilities and government vehicles on official business. Residents of the zone south of 61st Street who make less than $60,000 a year can apply for a tax credit.
Comments can also be submitted online for another week.
A 4,000-page proposal was submitted to and approved by the Federal Highway Administration in June 2023.
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