Congestion Pricing Brings a Challenge to NYC's Car-Dominated Status Quo

Statement of Transportation Alternatives Interim Executive Director Ellen McDermott in response to the inclusion of congestion pricing in the New York State budget:

“For more than a decade, New Yorkers from across the five boroughs have stood up and told their elected leaders that the status quo -- a decaying transit system, chronic gridlock, and driver-deferential politics -- was simply unacceptable. By passing congestion pricing, lawmakers showed they finally listened.

But the plan outlined in the state's 2020 budget is just the first step. Now it’s up to the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA) to implement a pricing program that minimizes exemptions, discourages unnecessary driving and raises revenue to fix the transit system. We’ll also be counting on the mayor and the Department of Transportation to properly invest the spatial dividend that comes with having fewer cars clogging up our streets. A safe, sustainable and equitable city with pedestrianized streets, physically-separated bus lanes and a comprehensive network of protected bike lanes is within our grasp, but only if we take full advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”