{"id":127688,"date":"2024-11-19T15:54:22","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T08:54:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=127688"},"modified":"2024-11-19T15:54:22","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T08:54:22","slug":"new-9-fee-to-drive-into-lower-manhattan-approved-heres-what-happens-next-with-congestion-pricing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=127688","title":{"rendered":"New $9 fee to drive into Lower Manhattan approved. Here\u2019s what happens next with congestion pricing."},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"32DG2FKMIVBZLODLR3LGETG3WA\">After a public hearing that saw more impassioned pleas for than against <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.com\/news\/2024\/11\/congestion-pricing-vote-is-monday-how-much-will-it-cost-you-we-did-the-math.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New York\u2019s $9 congestion pricing fee<\/a>, the MTA\u2019s board approved it Monday, leaving it one step from a Jan. 5 start date.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"LAOWWD55SRFWXMZANMTI4UPXNQ\">The MTA board voted, with member David S.Mack the lone holdout, to approve plans to charge a fee to enter Manhattan\u2019s central business district south of 60th Street. The plan with a higher $15 bas price had been in limbo since a June 5 hold placed by Gov. Kathy Hochul <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.com\/news\/2024\/11\/manhattan-congestion-pricing-fee-is-back-but-at-a-lower-cost-nj-vows-to-fight-on.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">that she lifted on Nov. 14<\/a>, proposing the lower $9 toll for non-commercial passenger vehicles.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"YQFN7N6CVBFYPJVYH7KCEOLJAA\">\u201cI just can\u2019t vote for it,\u201d Mack said. \u201cI see many different avenues we could be taxing and with those avenues being more than $1 billion and being less of a burden, there are other alternatives.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"U76LEUG3QZCI7NUXTUJYEWWU6I\">Among those options are placing tolls on 5 free bridges and better enforcement of parking and double parking regulations, he suggested.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"TYEJ27RFQZB3XMUNU3O7376MUU\">Congestion pricing is designed to reduce traffic, crashes and air pollution and raise $1 billion annually for subway, bus and commuter rail projects by charging a fee to enter Manhattan\u2019s central business district south of 60th Street.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"3ZNJWUT5ERECPCBH6QWSZO4LJY\">A projected 80,000 to 110,000 commuters are forecasted to switch from driving to transit to avoid the fee, MTA officials said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"FF4XSE43IJEUPF46E7Z36UA5KY\">Other board members who voted for the nation\u2019s first congestion pricing program called the moment transformative for New York City and cited reasons for their yes votes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"UYU3N2VMKNHKVO5BZMYXCQLPII\">\u201cNot to be overlooked is the public health impact &#8230; the numbers of kids hospitalized for asthma is astounding,\u201d said board member Midori Valdivia, who said she and her children have asthma. \u201cWhy not do everything we can to better the climate for our children?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"F2T2553FSNAQDDMD5WBZYIIDYQ\">Congestion pricing new rates now go to the Federal Highway Administration for final approval before it can start on Jan. 5.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"EZTKGRXQJZC6FN7566PGDATK64\">Hochul\u2019s 40% reduction also reduces the original $5 credit for Holland and Lincoln tunnel tolls to $3. Non-E-ZPass customers would pay a 50% higher congestion fee.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"K7QA3Z2LZZAYHHFUCFQULQVZ2Y\">Another change approved were phased in rate increases that would increase to $12 rate for non-commercial passenger from 2028 until 2030. In 2031, a $15 rate would be charged.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"VOHEZDYPLNCBPOI5F46TRRC7UY\">The MTA also has the right to charge a 25% higher congestion fee during Gridlock Alert Days during the UN General Assembly and the holiday season when heavy traffic is expected in Manhattan.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"NQG2YH3FBJBXDIVVT66UDGURGM\">In defending the plans and citing how the MTA has addressed issues about service, security, efficiency and affordability, MTA CEO Janno Lieber took a swipe at neighboring transit systems.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"4AJSAH6Q5VE3XDOWV6XQ6EY6GY\">\u201cAt time a time NJ Transit is in free fall and SEPTA is talking fare hikes and service cuts we\u2019re doubling down on our route and increasing affordability,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is a hopeful moment for drivers and transit riders. Things should get better if you have to drive and not get stuck in congestion.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"LE24VNXUHNGKNJOJYVDEANPLIU\">The MTA has \u201cdelivered $400 million in savings without cutting service or layoffs,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"5BLMUEZX2RFIVIG4XFQDMTS6L4\">The people affected by the decision who drive to Manhattan represent one half of 1% of the region\u2019s population, Lieber said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"ZR4YXAUU4BAHFBHA36GIUP2VR4\">\u201cThey will benefit from less traffic,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"4RJPRMXOKNHJXDD56RDL76KMMU\">Most of the comments during a 40 minute public hearing were in favor of congestion pricing, although opponents included skeptical residents of affected neighborhoods.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"EE7WKEUQK5CP5MBPZX5ZPHOE74\">\u201cThis will be a day that will live in infamy, I\u2019m concerned if congestion pricing goes through we\u2019ll lose more population, lose another congressional seats,\u201d said Andy Creed. \u201cThey can\u2019t afford $9 for five days a week. Don\u2019t go through with this.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"RA3ASRPF7ZCYBKE5OGIVDXJBVI\">Supporters said the transit system is the cities economic life blood that has to be maintained.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"HMOAP6IHHFGZZDURLHDN6YZ7AQ\">\u201cI\u2019m ready for a transit system that\u2019s closer to 2030 than 1930, a system worthy of the people it serves,\u201d said Betsy Plum, executive director of Riders Alliance. \u201cI\u2019m ready for transit riders to have our demands heard. It\u2019s the only funding stream that improves transit while cleaning the air and cutting down on congestion.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"SSF5TX57BRDMJC4ODLXLVCSKVA\">While New Jersey officials vowed to fight last week, Gov. Phil Murphy\u2019s office\u2019s reiterated his statement of opposition from last week in response to the vote.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"FSRCURVQDNGJ7BTNGCUP4ZV6EQ\">\u201cI have consistently expressed openness to a form of congestion pricing that meaningfully protects the environment and does not put unfair burdens upon hardworking New Jersey commuters,\u201dhe said in that statement. \u201cToday\u2019s plan woefully fails that test.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"2QHZJYOT2JEDFBSGHGJL7QLXPU\">U.S.Rep.and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Gottheimer, D-5Th Dist., reiterated his skepticism at handling the MTA more cash.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"C44WLA57GFATPA37ETKUM56URA\">\u201cAfter years of legendary mismanagement and billions of dollars of waste, it\u2019s no surprise that the MTA greenlit their Congestion Tax plan. Last year, the MTA lost $700 million on fare skippers. The MTA needs to get their house in order instead of looking to hardworking, middle-class families for a bailout,\u201dhe said. \u201cIt\u2019s not right, especially when folks are already struggling with higher prices.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"DMXG547XYFFZBBAJHW4XTCJRLM\">Supporters cites its benefits of reducing traffic, gridlock and resulting pollution and crashes in Manhattan and the promise of raising $15 billion dedicated to MTA capital projects to improve the city subway, bus and commuter rail service.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"TEWH6WUIWNCW3AEMXYSSHUHZEE\">Katie Slevin, Regional Plan Association executive vice president, was among those who said the MTA must be transparent about the program performance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"NHIICB2BINBZDJ6K7QEWFHYE3U\">\u201cOnce it is turned on, the program must be monitored and tracked and results must be shared with the public,\u201d she said. \u201cIt will be up to the MTA to ensure promised benefits are realized.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"Y67TD44OPVEQ5J7PTYJ3EVM7AI\">Still in the wings is a decision on New Jersey\u2019s July 2023 federal lawsuit challenging the MTA\u2019s environmental study that led to a Federal Highway Administration approval that let congestion pricing proceed to almost starting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"IWG4QJUJPFAIHAZ56N6IUSCKI4\">\u201cWe won in New York State across the board and the judge ruled everything was done by the book,\u201dLieber said. \u201cWe anticipate (U.S. International Trade) Judge (Leo) Gordon will look at the same issues.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"6ZMFAZTNKFFN5ASLIEKKT5VQ5E\">Randy Mastro, who is representing New Jersey in its legal challenge of congestion pricing, wrote to a federal judge last week saying Hochul and the MTA\u2019s actions \u201cmake this case ripe for decision.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"MMZKCXTVEZB5NBAGKKWX5F6AUY\">MTA board member Neal Zuckerman called on the state to drop the suit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"VFZ5RVOHP5FF5ESF5FIC4SDAKM\">\u201cIf you have a better idea where we can get $1 billion, we\u2019re all ears, otherwise stop wasting time and effort, he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"XTQ3AAACGBCNHB3ISWVJSOIKDY\">The other wild card is what the administration of President-elect Donald Trump will do once he is in office. Trump is opposed to congestion pricing and said on social media he will \u201cterminate\u201d it on his first week in office.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"46XFK5NYHFEPDHE7W5OXSHGJ2Y\">That resulted in congestion pricing supporters lobbying Hochul to start congestion pricing in the two and half months the Biden administration is still in charge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"K4VIB7LTNFC53F7ADPOWSY4HAQ\">But Lieber said he believes as a former New Yorker and owner of commercial real estate, Trump knows traffic is an impediment and that most people use public transit.<\/p>\n<section class=\"Stories-By-Author-module_wrapper__ezbcK Stories-By-Author-module_nj__Ap1-Y\"\/>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"2IQPKIGX4JE6XMM6PE4PGYS2MM\"><i>Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.com\/\"><i>NJ.com<\/i><\/a><i>.<\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"4PKBVAJYQVA4JGOI3YB73ZFEIY\"><i>Larry Higgs may be reached at <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.com\/news\/2024\/11\/mailto:lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com\"><i>lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com<\/i><\/a><i>. Follow him on X <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CommutingLarry?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>@CommutingLarry<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1660802\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.com\/news\/2024\/11\/new-9-fee-to-drive-into-lower-manhattan-approved-heres-what-happens-next-with-congestion-pricing.html\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After a public hearing that saw more impassioned pleas for than against New York\u2019s $9 congestion pricing fee, the MTA\u2019s board approved it Monday, leaving it one step from a &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=127688\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8629],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-127688","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-u-s","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127688","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=127688"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127688\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=127688"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=127688"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=127688"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}