Governor Hochul,
On behalf of our coalition of civic organizations, environmental justice groups and transit advocates, we are writing to express our concerns about the continued delays in the implementation of the much-needed congestion pricing program and to urge you to use the full force of your office to push the White House and the Federal Highway Administration to expedite the necessary approvals.
Pre-pandemic, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) public transit system was underfunded, outdated, and unreliable, regularly leaving millions of New Yorkers stranded, delayed and with inadequate public transportation options. This past year has arguably been the toughest for public transit. Millions of riders staying home because of the pandemic has cost the MTA much-needed ridership revenue, exacerbating issues that were already dire. Given this challenging financial picture, the MTA’s ability to fund its current (2020-24) capital plan is in doubt. At the same time, expanding service to more communities, and achieving greater accessibility has never been more important. The $15 billion in capital funding that will be generated from congestion pricing revenue is essential to the MTA implementing its capital plan.
As post-pandemic ‘normalcy’ continues to unfold, New York City and its surrounding regions and neighborhoods are experiencing unprecedented levels of traffic due to a still significant portion of the commuting public opting for cars over public transit. This increased traffic presents the city with an environmental crisis, with increased air pollution having its greatest impact on communities of color, disadvantaged communities, and environmental justice communities.
The goals of congestion pricing when the legislation was passed in 2019 are now more pressing than ever. Thanks to the work we did, with support from the previous Administration and a more progressive Senate and Assembly, congestion pricing was passed into law. However, your continued support is crucial to ensuring that congestion pricing is implemented without further delay and in no event by later than the end of 2023. Likewise, it is critical that the MTA continues to stand firm against calls for exemptions that would only increase the price of tolls on the rest of the driving population and undermine the goal of traffic “decongestion.”
Throughout the entire journey of congestion pricing, from the policy’s inception to its passage, the support of state leadership has been central to the advocacy campaign’s success. With your assistance in urging the federal government to expedite the process, congestion pricing can be realized, delivering a win for your state. We urge you to contact Secretary Buttigieg of USDOT and request that there be no further delay in federal review or permitting processes necessary for the implementation of the congestion pricing program. The coalition of advocates in support of congestion pricing – from the business community to labor to faith leaders to environmental, transit and social justice organizations – is mobilized and ready to fight alongside you for a roll-out that ensures New York truly becomes the nation’s model for congestion pricing.
Thank You,
American Institute of Architects NY
Citizens Budget Commission
Environmental Advocates NY
Environmental Defense Fund
Families for Safe Streets
Hudson Square BID
Lyft
Make Queens Safer
Move NY
Municipal Arts Society
The Nature Conservancy
Natural Resources Defense Counsel
New York City Environmental Justice
Alliance
New York Lawyers for Public Interest
New York League of Conservation Voters
Open Plans
Real Estate Board of New York
Regional Plan Association
Reinvent Albany
Riders Alliance
Right of Way NYC
Right Track for Long Island
Rise and Resist Elevator Action Group
RXR Realty
Sam Schwartz Engineering
StreetsPAC
Trust for Public Land
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Transportation Alternatives
Two Trees
Uber
