A federal Finding of No Significant Impact moves the program closer to implementation, which could happen as early as May 2024.
“The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for New York City’s Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP), also known as congestion pricing, following a 30-day public review of the Final Environmental Assessment,” according to an article by Mischa Wanek-Libman in Mass Transit Magazine.
The FONSI signals another step forward for the program. Now, the Traffic Mobility Review Board (TMRB) will have to develop a toll structure and set up the necessary equipment.
“The program will charge vehicles a toll for traveling in Manhattan south of and inclusive of 60th Street, excluding through-traffic on the Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive, West Side Highway, Battery Park Underpass and roadway portions of the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connecting to West Street.” It would be the first of its kind in a U.S. city. New Jersey officials have opposed the program, arguing it disproportionately impacts New Jersey residents who commute into New York City. But as a Streetsblog NYC article pointed out in 2021, the New Jersey commuters who would be subject to the congestion tax are overwhelmingly wealthier than those who use transit.
More on New York City’s congestion pricing program:
FULL STORY: FHWA issues FONSI for NYC congestion pricing
NYC Congestion Pricing Continues to Show Positive Results
While the Trump administration attempts to revoke the program’s federal approval, congestion pricing continues to reduce traffic, speed up bus travel times, and improve air quality in Manhattan.
Agreement Keeps NYC Congestion Pricing Alive Through Summer
The tolling program will continue while a court considers the city’s lawsuit against the Trump administration.
Tri-State Economies to Lose Billions From Congestion Pricing Pause
New York City’s congestion pricing program, suspended by Governor Hochul earlier this year, would have pumped $12 billion into local projects and jobs.
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