Good morning. My name is Meaghan McElroy and I’m the communications associate for Regional Plan Association. I’m here today to comment in favor of congestion pricing.

RPA has been advocating for congestion pricing for decades, and for good reason - we must fund public transit.

Congestion pricing paves the way for cleaner air; consistent, dedicated funding for public transit; and less congestion for those who choose to drive. The revenue from tolling will fund much-needed transit improvements throughout the region, from ADA accessibility improvements, to electrifying bus fleets, to signal improvements along Metro-North lines running to my home region of the Hudson Valley.

It is a program that benefits all residents of the tri-state region.

RPA does continue to advocate for equalized tolling at all crossings into the Central Business District to prevent toll shopping, and for a higher toll credit for those already paying a fee to cross into the CBD. That said, congestion pricing is good policy, based on thorough research, sound theory, and successful global precedents.

My colleagues at RPA and I urge the MTA to implement the Central Business District Tolling program as quickly and efficiently as possible. The benefits that come from starting congestion pricing cannot be overstated, nor can they be delayed further.

Thank you.