Hudson Valley residents take part in MTA’s public hearing on congestion pricing

The Central Business District Tolling program, or CBD, is at the center of MTA public hearings throughout this week.

News 12 Staff

Aug 27, 2022, 8:23 PM

Updated 837 days ago

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Hudson Valley residents chimed in Saturday at another of Metropolitan Transportation Agency's public hearing on its plans to implement congestion pricing in New York City.
The Central Business District Tolling program, or CBD, is at the center of MTA public hearings throughout this week.
Hundreds shared their views during the virtual event. A caller from Rockland County voiced her opposition to the congestion pricing plan that promises to reduce traffic into Manhattan while improving air quality.
She stated that county residents don't have other road options when driving into Manhattan. She added that county residents represent only a small percentage of the traffic in Manhattan and hopes that the MTA doesn't go through with the plan.
The controversial pricing plan would charge drivers up to $23 a day to drive below 60th Streeet in Manhattan.
While many don't like the idea of additional toll fares, the proposal does have some support.
Proponents say congestion pricing will reduce congestion and improve air quality, just as it has in London, Stockholm and Singapore just to name a few cities around the world. They added that congestion pricing will result in billions of dollars in capital investment for the MTA, which is the lifeline of the New York metropolitan area.
If approved by the Federal Highway Administration, the plan would be the first of its kind in the United States.
The new tolls could go into effect by late 2023.
Tolls could be paid using E-ZPass, or drivers without E-ZPass would have the bills mailed to the address of the registered vehicle.
Upcoming hearings, held via Zoom, will continue daily, Aug. 28 through Aug. 31.