Momentum builds in Albany for congestion tolls in NYC
ALBANY— Long considered a tough sell in Albany, the idea of imposing tolls on drivers entering the busiest parts of Manhattan is gaining momentum among New York lawmakers, increasing the chances that some kind of congestion tolling will pass in the legislative session that begins next month.
An influx of new Democratic lawmakers elected last month, increasingly vocal supporters in New York City and the rapidly worsening condition of the city’s subways are all helping to push congestion tolling to the top of the legislative agenda. Supporters say the tolls — already in use in cities such as London, Stockholm and Singapore — will raise badly needed revenue for mass transit while also cutting down on the number of cars entering the busiest parts of the nation’s largest city.
“My neighbors sent me to Albany to get the MTA fixed,” said Senator-elect Jessica Ramos, a Queens Democrat. “We are a district of working-class people who need to get to work on time.”
As with other complicated, contentious issues on next year’s agenda — such as marijuana legalization and universal health care — the devil resides in the details. What should the toll be? Should regular commuters or small businesses get a discount? How will tolls be phased in to ensure transit agencies have the revenue in time meet the expected increase in subway and bus ridership?