MTA, accessibility advocates respond to proposal to repeal congestion pricing

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by: Greg Mocker

Posted: Apr 15, 2024 / 07:17 PM EDT

Updated: Apr 15, 2024 / 07:36 PM EDT

NEW YORK (PIX11) — The MTA is adding some new electric vehicles to the fleet and taking the opportunity to speak about congestion pricing to fund transit projects. 

On Monday, some lawmakers announced a proposal to try and repeal congestion pricing.

MTA officials and commuters had an event planned to unveil new electric vans that will be used for Access-A-Ride, the program that serves riders with disabilities. 

Rue Zalia Watkins came to the news conference outside MTA headquarters to talk about the improvements to Access-A-Ride — she also supports congestion pricing. 

“One of the problems we have is the trips are long. We are stuck in traffic too often and I think this congestion pricing, along with the new scheduling system, is going to help us,” Watkins said. 

Accessibility is a major part of congestion pricing funding plans, including elevators at more stations. Electric buses and new subway cars, along with repair and maintenance of the system, are additional key priorities from the funding. 

“It is a huge pride to be here with this team enhancing the customer service for all our modes; paratransit, buses and our huge investments in subway ridership, which only continues to go up,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemel Arroyo. 

Earlier Monday on Staten Island, a group of lawmakers announced an effort to try and repeal congestion pricing. 

The program was created and approved in 2019 as part of the state budget, not as an individual proposal. 

Assemblymember Mike Tannousis wants to get people on the record. 

“It will come down to the residents of the state and of the city putting pressure on their elected officials,” Tannousis said. 

U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis said she will introduce a federal bill to block the U.S. Department of Transportation from acting on any congestion pricing program. 

NYC Transit President Richard Davey had a message for opponents of congestion pricing. 

“They love traffic, I don’t know? I get that there are a few folks who still want to get rid of it for their political reasons. But the bottom line is congestion pricing is the law of the land of New York. It was passed by the state five years ago for investments,” Davey said. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has been a supporter of congestion pricing. A Democratic state lawmaker would also have to sign on to carry the repeal bill in the legislature. 

Several court cases are also pending. 

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