NEW YORK (1010 WINS/ WCBS 880 NEWS) – The public comment period on proposed tolling for congestion pricing officially started on Wednesday, according to the MTA.
Under the proposed plan, vehicles entering Manhattan from 60th Street through Midtown down to the Battery will be subject to tolls. Passenger cars will face a base toll of $15, with higher rates for trucks and buses.
Starting on Wednesday and continuing until March 11, 2024, the public can submit written comments through various means, including online, email, mail, and fax. Additionally, audio comments can be submitted by leaving a voicemail message. All comments received will be recorded and reviewed.
The plan has faced fierce opposition on many fronts, especially from suburban commuters and taxi drivers.
Public hearings begin on Feb. 29 and end on March 4. To participate in these hearings, people must register in advance, either online, by calling the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777, or in person.
Registration will open one week before each hearing's start time and will close 30 minutes after the hearing begins.
Speakers will have a two-minute time limit for their remarks. The hearings will take place at 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004, in the William J. Ronan 20th Floor Board Room. Remote participation via Zoom or telephone will also be available.
The Central Business District Tolling Program, mandated by the State of New York in April 2019, is designed to reduce traffic congestion and generate revenue for improving public transportation, according to the MTA.
The next step after the public review process is that the MTA will review the public comments. They will then consider adopting a rate-making regulation that includes any updates resulting from the public review.
To provide feedback, an online form is accessible at https://contact.mta.info/s/forms/CBDTP, and comments can also be sent via email to cbdtp.feedback@mtabt.org.
Four public hearings are scheduled for Feb. 29, March 1, and twice on March 4, with online livestreaming available on the MTA's YouTube channel.
The MTA aims to finalize toll rates in the coming months, with toll collection expected to start in May.