Leaders See Pricing as Key to City's Future

Preparing for tremendous growth

What some leaders say about congestion pricing

"As members of the Coalition of MTA Unions, we are here today to voice our support for congestion pricing in New York City … All monies generated from congestion pricing shall be use exclusively for the region’s mass transit network and they should go directly to the MTA." —  Roger Toussaint, the president of Local 100 of the Transport Workers Union (1/16/2008)

"New express bus routes, additional local buses, and LIRR and subway enhancements paid for by congestion pricing would be a great benefit to Queens residents."  —  Queens Community Board 5 member, Michael Fordunski, public testimony, October 2007

"Congestion pricing presents a bold, forward-thinking opportunity …[to] combat congestion, poor air quality, and our looming transit deficit." —  New York State Assembly Member, Linda Rosenthal, public testimony, October 2007

“I think we do have to do something about congestion, [and] expanding mass transit. And if a reasonable system can come into play that doesn’t tax low-income commuters disproportionately, and the general wisdom of the commission is to get behind it, I could see us trying it out as an experiment.”  — New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, New York Daily News,  Daily Politics (12/26/2007)

"It is our poor and middle-class families who would benefit from congestion pricing — as the fees charged to drivers would be used to improve the bus and subway system." — City Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito, Metro, Voices: Congestion pricing fairest for the poor (1/30/2008)

"My decision to support congestion pricing is not easy or popular…. The status quo in NYC and suburban transportation will not sustain our economy and our health for much longer." —  New York State Assembly Member, Michelle Schimel, public testimony, October 2007

What the media say

 "Traffic is a crushing problem for our growing region. Albany must take action on it by March 31. No excuses."  – Newsday Editorial, 1/30/2008

"The number crunching is complete, and the time has arrived for political courage by city and state lawmakers… For the good of the city, they must go forward. Congestion pricing is the way." – NewYork Daily News Editorial: 1/31/2008

"New York City needs to keep pushing congestion pricing forward" – New York Times Editorial, 1/24/2008

"…to keep a vast 24/7 transit system running – smoothly and reliably – requires hefty funding. Thus, we backed Bloomberg’s Midtown fees as a way to raise funds for transit." – New York  Post Editorial: 12/18/2007

Posted: 18-Apr-2007; Updated: 30-Oct-2008