New bipartisan legislation has been introduced to counter New York City's proposed congestion pricing plan, which involves a $15 daily charge aimed at reducing traffic and funding transportation projects. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), an unelected body, has been criticized for its lack of transparency regarding the plan's financial calculations and potential environmental impacts. Representatives Nicole Malliotakis and Josh Gottheimer, alongside other NY and NJ lawmakers, have labeled the plan a 'cash grab' and expressed concerns about its effects on traffic distribution and pollution in outer boroughs, particularly affecting minority communities in Malliotakis's district. The plan's $6 billion cost is also under scrutiny, with calls for funding through the Climate Change Superfund Act to prevent the financial burden from falling solely on riders and taxpayers. Rep. Gottheimer held a press conference outside MTA headquarters questioning the plan's financial basis, and Rep. Malliotakis has taken a leading role in the opposition effort.
“The MTA’s Congestion Pricing Plan is nothing more than a cash grab that will take more money from commuters and shift traffic from Manhattan to the outer boroughs, increasing pollution in my district, particularly in minority communities,” Malliotakis said. “I’m proud to join my… https://t.co/0ZtvwtoR0G
These are vital investments for the entire MTA region in the face of the climate crisis. But unless we pass the Climate Change Superfund Act, the entire $6 billion price tag for these projects will fall on riders and taxpayers. That would be deeply irresponsible. @GormleyAlbany https://t.co/XUfkoF1spl
Malliotakis leads new effort to stop #NYC congestion pricing https://t.co/KIzOmmcWfv
NY, NJ Reps. Malliotakis, Gottheimer join forces to stop NYC’s $15 congestion toll ‘cash grab’ https://t.co/eDLsi5DvXp https://t.co/6Qfqt7fPfr
The MTA certainly seems ready for congestion taxation with its bus service into Manhattan. If you wish to avoid being subjected to such operational excellence, the MTA, an unelected body, seeks to tax you $15 per day. https://t.co/YHtNKFq2Oe
Rep. Josh Gottheimer drove into Lower Manhattan to hold an anti-congestion pricing press conference outside of MTA headquarters. “What was their math when they came up with $15 a day?” https://t.co/NoDE3S5bkT
If you'd like to avoid this, the MTA, an unelected body, seeks to tax you $15 per day via congestion taxation. There was no recorded precipitation yesterday in the City of New York and the MTA has yet to disclose the level of contamination of this liquid matter. https://t.co/euX20yjf5d
New bipartisan legislation aims to kill NYC congestion pricing https://t.co/AAohrkk559 https://t.co/IAhp5r0KdE
New York City Congestion pricing plan FAQ https://t.co/3YqCcZ7M9z https://t.co/e0YjQ2EpMj