Expresses opposition to New York City's Central Business District Tolling Program, which would charge drivers up to $23 daily to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, citing concerns about the economic impact on commuters, businesses, and consumers. Urges federal and state entities to halt the program's implementation and calls for an economic impact report.
Nicolas LaLota
Representative
NY-1
This bill expresses opposition to New York City's Central Business District Tolling Program, which would charge drivers up to $23 daily to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. It cites concerns about the program's economic impact on commuters, small businesses, and low-income families. The bill urges New York State to release an economic impact report and recommends that federal agencies and New York State halt the program's implementation.
NYC's $23 Congestion Pricing Plan Hits a Roadblock: New Bill Aims to Stop It
This bill flat-out opposes New York City's plan to charge drivers up to $23 a day to enter Manhattan below 60th Street – what's being called the Central Business District Tolling Program. The core idea is to reduce traffic, but this bill argues it's going to slam regular people and businesses too hard.
Cash Crunch for Commuters?
The bill highlights that this isn't just a few bucks here and there. For someone driving into the city daily, we're talking about potentially $5,000 extra per year. That's a serious chunk of change, whether you're a teacher, a construction worker, or running your own delivery service. The bill argues this hits low-income families and students particularly hard, and it is not wrong.
Small Business Squeeze
"Prescription for Reform" might be a kind title for a healthcare bill, but this one is more like a "Recipe for Recession." The bill points out that many small businesses are still trying to bounce back from the pandemic. Adding a hefty toll for suppliers, employees, and customers could be a major blow. Think about your favorite local restaurant or shop – will they have to raise prices to cover these new costs? The bill says yes, and that cost gets passed to you, the consumer.
MTA's Money Mess
The bill acknowledges the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) needs cash. They're projecting $1 billion annually from this tolling program to fund their $15 billion capital investment program and deal with their operating costs. But the bill also throws some shade, pointing out the MTA lost $690 million in 2022 just from fare evasion. They're also staring down a potential $3 billion budget shortfall by 2025. Basically, the bill is saying, "Is this really the best way to fix your budget problems?"
What Now?
This bill wants to slam the brakes on the whole congestion pricing plan. It's calling for New York State to actually do a full economic impact report and make it public. It recommends that both federal agencies and New York State halt the program's implementation. It's not clear if this bill will go anywhere, but it's raising some serious questions about whether this tolling plan is fair and who it's really going to hurt.