By Lindsay Press
One week after congestion pricing went into effect, a group of elected officials, including Long Island Congressmen Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, are looking to bring back a resolution opposing what they say is an unfair tax on local commuters.
LaLota (R-Rocky Point) reintroduced a resolution calling for federal and state agencies to eradicate the Central Business District Tolling Program in New York City. The program, also known as “congestion pricing,” charges drivers $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. According to the resolution, the program is expected to generate $1 billion a year for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The revenue would be used to support the MTA’s $15 billion capital investment program and help cover an expected $3 billion budget shortfall. The resolution is also supported by Mike Lawler (R-Pearl River) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island).
Since the program went into effect earlier this month, 219,000 fewer vehicles entered the Business District, overall travel times were 30%-40% faster on inbound river crossings, and traffic was down 7.51% during the program’s first active week in comparison to about the same time last year according to the MTA.
LaLota and Garbarino said the resolution is meant to stand up for commuters, students, low-income families, and small businesses entering the Business District. “This plan is not about actually solving congestion; it’s about making money, and that’s not the right way for congestion pricing to be put into place,” Garbarino (R-Patchogue) said, “So I think with a new administration coming in with the new Department of Transportation Secretary there are conversations that could be had. I’m supportive of making sure it doesn’t go into taxing my Long Island constituents.”
“My resolution expressing opposition to the Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City defends hardworking suburban commuters from Governor Hochul’s unfair and burdensome commuter tax when traveling to and from lower Manhattan,” said LaLota.
Long Island Life & Politics asked the MTA for a response, but they refused to comment.