NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Cuomo are now on the same page when it comes to fixing the MTA -- and their proposal includes a new toll on vehicles entering the busiest parts of Manhattan.
The two New York leaders - who have sparred over various issues in the past -- have announced a 10-point plan to transform the MTA and create dedicated and sustained funding streams for mass transit.
The mayor joined the governor in an endorsement of congestion pricing, which would mean electronic tolling devices will be put in place south of 61st Street in Manhattan.
The FDR Drive would not be included in the surcharge, and there would be discounts during off-peak hours, according to the plan.
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The tolls would be supplemented with state and city revenue from a fixed amount of the new internet sales tax in New York City, as well as a percentage of revenue from the cannabis excise tax.
The tolls would likely be set in 2020 and then imposed in 2021.
Mayor de Blasio says he still believes a millionaire's tax would be the better way to go, but he says no more time can be wasted.
In a statement, the mayor said: "Working New Yorkers struggle every day to get around our city. We cannot let another year pass without action that makes people's lives easier. This crisis runs deeper than ever before, and it's now clear there is no way to address it without congestion pricing and other dedicated revenue streams. The time to act is now."
The governor and mayor's proposal will still need approval from the state Legislature.
Under the plan, the MTA would be reorganized to make the agency more efficient and effective. Common functions would be centralized in support of the six existing entities.
Officials say fares for buses, trains and subways must be controlled through cost containment and improved management.
The MTA restructuring is to be completed by June.
