NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The feds have given New York the go-ahead to move forward with congestion pricing in the city.
"This morning we received word from the Biden Administration that the U.S. Department of Transportation will allow New York State to proceed with the federally required Environmental Assessment and public outreach for the nation's first congestion pricing program in New York City," Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced in a statement released Tuesday.
The goal of congestion pricing, which was approved by lawmakers in Albany in 2019, is to raise $15 billion to help fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's five-year $51.5 billion capital plan while unclogging streets.
"Congestion pricing is an internationally proven method to reduce traffic congestion, enhance the availability and reliability of public transportation, and improve our air quality, and it will play a critical role as New York and the nation begin to recover from the pandemic and build back stronger and better than before," Cuomo said.
Cars travelling south of 60th Street would be charged, though it's not clear how much it would cost drivers.
The MTA is currently working on a preliminary design for the roadway toll system and infrastructure.
The Trump administration had stalled the project, pushing back its planned January 2021 start date.
"We thank President Biden and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for advancing this important program, and we look forward to continuing to work together to further advance our nation-leading $306 billion infrastructure plan, which is preparing the State to be globally competitive for generations to come," Cuomo said. "This announcement... demonstrates once again the commitment of our new partners in Washington to support our efforts to move New York in the right direction."
MTA Chairman and CEO Pat Foye applauded the move and thanked the Biden administration for its leadership and support.
"After only two months in office, President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg have acted quickly, rightly recognizing that by prioritizing transportation, we can accelerate our climate goals and improve equity for all New Yorkers," Foye said in a statement. "It's more important than ever that our region has a strong and robust MTA to help power the economic recovery from this unprecedented crisis, and as traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels we must tackle congestion."
"Gridlock Sam" Schwartz reacted to the news saying, "I really won't break out the champagne bottles until the first tolls are collected," but added, "I think the stars are all lining up." He first proposed the concept in the 70s, "with several flops along the way."
Danny Pearlstein, with the Riders Alliance, said congestion pricing will be a game changer in reducing backups and pollution as well as funding long overdue subway repairs.
Mayor Bill de Blasio agrees.
"We need to make sure we have the resources to bring back the subways and buses strong," de Blasio said, calling the latest developments a "big step forward."
Some in the suburbs have criticized the plan. New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer characterized it as New York trying to rob New Jersey.
De Blasio, however, sees it as an investment in the region's economic health.
"We'll listen to everyone, but I don't have a doubt my mind this is the way forward," de Blasio said.
Annual revenues of more than $1 billion are expected from the congestion plan.
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