New York’s Landmark Congestion Pricing Program Receives Final Federal Approval
Federal Highway Administration greenlights first in the nation program
(New York) The Federal Highway Administration has granted the Metropolitan Transit Authority final approval for New York’s long awaited congestion pricing program. This approval affirms congestion pricing has undergone a rigorous environmental review process, which showed significant positive environmental benefits— as well as a robust plan to mitigate unintended localized adverse effects. While other cities around the world have successfully implemented similar programs, New York will be the first city in the United States to use congestion pricing to tackle traffic congestion and fund transit improvements.
“This is a historic day for the environment and the public transportation system that millions of people rely on every day. After years of public review, it’s finally time to build the system that will deliver billions of dollars for better subways, trains and buses across the city and the region. Congestion pricing is essential to the economic and environmental future of the city — it will improve public transportation, reduce air pollution, cut traffic and create safer and more accessible streets for emergency vehicles and delivery drivers. We are thankful for Gov. Hochul’s leadership and the unwavering dedication of our transit and environmental coalition partners in reaching this milestone.”
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Mary Barber, State Director, New York and New Jersey, Environmental Defense Fund
The MTA has 310 days to build the infrastructure needed to turn congestion pricing on. The Transit Mobility Review Board will now begin to determine the specifics of the program. Congestion pricing is mandated to raise $1 billion per year, all of which will go towards funding widespread improvements to regional public transportation, via the MTA Capital Plan.
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
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