New York City is moving forward with a congestion pricing plan, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and generate funds for mass transit improvements by implementing a $15 toll for drivers entering Manhattan south of Central Park, starting this summer. The plan, which includes using license-plate readers for toll collection, has sparked public debate, with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) holding its first public hearings. Advocates, students, and elected officials rallied in support of the plan, citing benefits such as safer roads and cleaner air. However, the proposal has faced opposition, particularly from firefighters. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) union representatives argue that on-duty firefighters using personal vehicles for work should be exempt from the tolls. Amidst this controversy, the MTA chief confirmed that the congestion pricing is set to be implemented regardless of opposition, as 150 speakers were expected to voice their concerns.
MTA chief says $15 congestion pricing is coming to NYC no matter what – as 100 firefighters show up to protest https://t.co/oUhB5cKjMp via @nypmetro
The firefighters union rallied Friday ahead of the second public hearing on congestion pricing. As @GainerTV reports, they want the personal cars of FDNY members to be exempt from tolls. https://t.co/jyuLDG4y9U
New York City residents had their first chance to voice their opinions about an ambitious plan to charge motorists driving into Manhattan’s central business district. https://t.co/15sS4kAOCE
FDNY union reps say on-the-job firefighters using personal vehicles to move equipment around city shouldn’t be charged under N.Y. state’s congestion pricing plan to toll motorists entering Midtown and Lower Manhattan https://t.co/ysalFWR6nR
New York City residents had their first chance to voice their opinions about an ambitious plan to charge motorists driving into Manhattan’s central business district. https://t.co/K8yXNb4RjP via @citylab
NEW: day two of congestion pricing hearings underway. Many of today’s 150 speakers expected to be firefighters arguing for an exemption as they drive to work. @MTA @FDNY @UFANYC #NBC4NY https://t.co/intHwR21bW
Firefighters set to rally before congestion pricing public hearing Friday https://t.co/lj5VmbNqbU https://t.co/aWc4VCc5ur
Commuters finally had their chance to weigh in on the controversial congestion pricing plan Thursday in the first of several public hearings, and many did not hold back. https://t.co/uwPqi4TBuV
Before the MTA’s first public hearing, advocates, students, and elected officials came together today in front of MTA HQ to rally in support of #congestionpricing as the right path forward for our city, bringing safer roads, cleaner air, and better transit. https://t.co/eCNk1Sl9ag
❖ New York City wants you to pay another $15 (at least) to drive into Manhattan, starting this summer The Big Apple is close to implementing a plan that would use license-plate readers to turn all of Manhattan south of Central Park into one giant toll zone.…
NYC’s plan to ease gridlock and pump billions into mass transit? A $15 toll for Manhattan drivers https://t.co/wYZ05GbL8l
You want people to ride the subway, @MTA? We need public safety NOT congestion pricing. https://t.co/FsE2EeF3jf