Good morning,

Thank you to the MTA for inviting public comments today. My name is Sofia Vala, and I am a Transportation Planner testifying on behalf of the Regional Plan Association. I want to reaffirm our support for the MTA’s Central Business District Tolling Program.

In New York City, congestion in the CBD severely delays emergency services, buses, deliveries, and drivers. A long-standing lack of investment in public transit has resulted in a system that is unreliable, faces budget deficits and deteriorating infrastructure. Implementing congestion pricing can address these issues by generating a billion dollars to modernize and enhance the system. Specifically, it will improve station accessibility, protect against extreme weather, and update operations through the electrification of bus fleets and the purchase of new rail cars.

To ensure successful implementation, we continue to advocate for equalized tolling at all crossings into the CBD to prevent toll shopping. We also advocate for a higher toll credit for those already paying a fee to cross into the CBD. As the program is implemented, we also advocate for data transparency so that the public can understand the details of the program and be equipped with this knowledge to better support future advocacy.

Given the benefits of congestion pricing, which include funding essential public transit, boosting the economy, reducing traffic congestion, and improving air quality, we express our strong support for the tolling program and look forward to its implementation without further delays.

Thank you.