Cuomo, NYC mayor endorse congestion pricing as part of MTA reform

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio have jointly endorsed congestion pricing as part of a reform plan for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

News 12 Staff

Feb 26, 2019, 11:00 PM

Updated 1,882 days ago

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Cuomo, NYC mayor endorse congestion pricing as part of MTA reform
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio have jointly endorsed congestion pricing as part of a reform plan for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
The two unveiled on Tuesday a 10-point plan to "transform and fund" the agency that includes congestion pricing -- cashless tolling for vehicles entering Manhattan south of 61st Street.
In a radio interview Tuesday morning, Cuomo admitted that the plan amounts to a tax for people driving into New York City.
The plan also says that revenue from congestion pricing "will be placed in a 'lockbox' to provide a funding source necessary to ensure the capital needs of the MTA can be met, with priority given to the subway system."
State Sen. Todd Kaminsky says Long Island Democrats in the majority will push to ensure the final legislation includes revenue dedicated to LIRR improvements.
Cuomo called it "a luxury to drive into Manhattan," but News 12 spoke with drivers who say it is anything but.
The MTA Board is expected to vote on a potential fare hike at a meeting Wednesday. A previous vote was postponed last month.


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