New York Congestion Pricing Plan Gains State And Federal Support

"If the measure is approved by the Legislature, New York will become the first city in the United States to impose a broad system of congestion pricing, which was introduced in London in 2003 and has been credited with reducing traffic there."

"Governor Spitzer said he would work to ensure passage of the plan, which is a major part of the mayor's blueprint for improving air quality and traffic flow for the next several decades. The Bloomberg administration has estimated that it could put the program into effect within 18 months of legislative approval."

"The mayor's plan would charge $8 for cars and $21 for commercial trucks that enter Manhattan below 86th Street between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, or $4 for drivers within the congestion zone, with several exceptions."

"The legislative session ends on June 21, but the governor said he would most likely call the Legislature back into a special session by August to consider the measure."

"United States Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters, who called the Bloomberg plan 'very bold,' said that up to five of the nine cities would be selected to receive federal funds by mid-August, but she intimated that New York City was likely to be among the winners because no other city was as far along in its planning."