Long Island commuters take part in MTA’s congestion pricing plan hearing

This was the second hearing of six that the MTA is holding this month and there is a lot of interest in making one's voice heard.

News 12 Staff

Aug 27, 2022, 9:39 PM

Updated 837 days ago

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Long Island commuters sounded off Saturday at another of Metropolitan Transportation Agency's public hearing on its plans to implement congestion pricing in New York City.
This was the second hearing of six that the MTA is holding this month and there is a lot of interest in making one's voice heard.
Hundreds signed up to speak on Thursday and even more had opinions on Saturday.
Commuters who drive into Manhattan let MTA officials know what they think about its congestion pricing plan where drivers will have to pay a toll to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. Some are against the idea of paying an extra $9 to $23.
"I think it's crazy. I think it's going to be insane. I think people aren’t going to stand for it," said Sal Manno, of Farmingdale. "I think it's going to make life more difficult."
Others, like Barbara Hurdle, say the plan is a good idea but want to see exemptions for certain drivers who provide essential services.
"I think trucks that are delivering food and pharmaceuticals to different pharmacies should have some sort of exemption or discount," she said.
Others said they will just have to adjust their driving habits, like Allison Hartman, of Farmingdale.
"This is just another level of keeping me from driving and want to take the train," Hartman said to which MTA officials added that's the point of the plan.
They argue that the program will encourage more people to use public transportation, reduce traffic in the city and improve the environment. But Manhattan resident Frank Devilla said it will force more cars into other parts of the city.
"While I understand the merits of congestion pricing, it's entirely unjust to permit a carve-out for vehicular traffic entering onto the FDR as it will exacerbate the noise and pollution emissions to low-income New Yorkers of color," Devilla said.
The next hearing will be Sunday with more planned for Monday Aug. 28, Tuesday Aug. 29 and Wednesday Aug. 30.