Briefs

Congestion pricing wins federal approval but court hurdles remain

November 22, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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STATEWIDE — THE U.S. FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION ON FRIDAY APPROVED the revised congestion pricing plan, the MTA said Friday — capping the series of approvals that the city’s transit agency needed to begin the toll plan for Manhattan’s Centralized Business District in January, according to a 1010 WINS news report and a statement from NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. The agency will be administering congestion pricing, known formally as the Central Business District Tolling Program, in partnership with the Departments of Transportation at the city, state and federal levels.

“Congestion pricing will reduce traffic, improve our air, and raise critical funding for our subways and buses,” said Rodriguez. “This nation-leading program will help us build a healthier, safer city — while making it easier than ever for New Yorkers to access Manhattan without a car.”

Catherine Sheridan, president of the MTA Bridges and Tunnels/Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, said on Friday, “We are pleased to have received formal approval from the Federal Highway Administration for the phase-in feature of the Central Business District Tolling Program, and in compliance with federal law and regulations, New York State DOT, New York City DOT, TBTA and the federal government have all signed the Value Pricing Pilot Program Agreement.”

The tolling plan still faces legal hurdles after several lawsuits were filed and a bipartisan group of politicians representing suburban drivers staged a public rally this week. A federal judge in Manhattan is expected to rule on whether the legal challenges can proceed.

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