Congestion Pricing Fails

Yesterday marked a federal deadline for the state of New York to approve the city's congestion pricing plan; at stake was $354 million in funds to set up the program that would charge drivers $8 to access the city's core, and promoted by Mayor Bloomberg. The plan was effectively killed by Democratic speaker Sheldon Silver.

“It takes a special type of cowardice for elected officials to refuse to stand up and vote their conscience on an issue that has been debated, and amended significantly to resolve many outstanding issues, for more than a year,” Mr. Bloomberg said. “Every New Yorker has a right to know if the person they send to Albany was for or against better transit and cleaner air.”

New York Times

"When people complain there are not enough trains and buses, you can point to all the state Assembly members," said Councilman Robert Jackson, a Manhattan Democrat. "It was right at their doorstep and they did not stand up for New York City."

AM NY

"I'm glad to see New York lawmakers recognize the flaws inherent in this congestion pricing plan and that we were able to stop discriminatory surcharges being applied to New Jersey drivers entering New York City," Governor Corzine said.

Bergen Record

Village Voice
Real Deal
Gothamist