The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced a series of public hearings regarding the Central Business District Tolling Program, otherwise known as Congestion Pricing. Hearings required as part of the proposed scheme and begin on Thursday, September 23rd. The hearings are all virtual.
On this site we’ve talked about how a congestion pricing tolling scheme to fund the currently managed MTA is a bad deal for truckers, small businesses and outer borough residents. Anyone wishing to comment may wish to explore the Fares, Fees, and Tolls section of the website. The Keep NYC Free website has some wonderful talking points as well, in addition to media and reports to help formulate comments.
The public hearing schedule is:
- Thursday, September 23, 10:00 a.m.-noon Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens & Staten Island
- Sign-up to speak or request services
- Thursday, September 23, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Manhattan CBD (60th Street and below)
- Sign-up to speak or request services
- Friday, September 24, 10:00 a.m.-noon New Jersey
- Sign-up to speak or request service
- Wednesday, September 29, 10:00 a.m.-noon Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland,
- Sign-up to speak or request services Westchester Counties
- Wednesday, September 29, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Long Island
- Sign-up to speak or request services
- Thursday, September 30, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens & Staten Island
- Sign-up to speak or request services
- Friday, October 1, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Connecticut
- Sign-up to speak or request services
- Monday, October 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m. New Jersey
- Sign-up to speak or request services
- Tuesday, October 5, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland,
- Sign-up to speak or request services Westchester Counties
- Wednesday, October 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Manhattan outside CBD (61st Street &
- Sign-up to speak or request services above)
Now that Midtown Manhattan traffic has declined due to changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, including a greater distrust in the MTA, much of the sales pitch for congestion pricing has shifted to environmental justice. Although there are concerns such as road closures and traffic congestion in other areas which can affect the wider area. If you feel that these should be included, we recommend that you make a note of any concerns that you may have that can be talked about during the meetings.As such, talking points should include:
- No fees for low and zero emission vehicles (check out DOT’s Green Loading Zone pilot)
- No fees for off hour deliveries
- Demand that revenue be allocated to electric vehicle infrastructure and financing options
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