New NY Governor Backs Manhattan Congestion Pricing

The move by Governor David Paterson "rescued the controversial program from the brink of death by submitting a bill to the State Legislature to establish it. The turnaround came after an impassioned pitch to the governor from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg behind closed doors at City Hall on Wednesday, when Mr. Paterson privately expressed support for the proposal, city officials said. He warned the mayor that he first had to tell Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who has shown little inclination to approve it, the officials said."

The congestion pricing fee is expected to be $8, and includes a surcharge on taxis.

Highlights of the bill include the following provisions recommended by the Commission:

• The Congestion Pricing zone would include any roadways in Manhattan south of and inclusive of 60th Street between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for certain public holidays.
• Establish the fee as recommended by the Commission, including a surcharge on taxis and livery vehicles.
• Eliminate the Manhattan long-term parking tax discount for vehicles parked within the zone.
• Set out privacy protocols based on existing EZ Pass privacy controls.
• Provide exemptions for authorized emergency vehicles; safety, traffic and parking control, and inspection vehicles; sanitation vehicles; school vehicles; and privately operated over-the-road buses.
• Prescribe a residential parking permit program.

"We expect that revenue from the Congestion Pricing plan will support more than $4.5 billion in needed capital improvements for mass transit and meaningfully reduce traffic into the Central Business District of Manhattan," said Governor Paterson.

Thanks to Toll Roads News