NYC MTA Passes Costly Congestion-Pricing Scheme
The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board approved a congestion-pricing plan in an 11-1 vote on March 27 that could dramatically hike the costs of commercial vehicles delivering textiles and other goods into a high-traffic area of Manhattan.
The new tolling program will apply to all local streets and avenues at or below 60th street. Trucks entering this zone will pay an additional $24-$36 per trip based on size during peak hours (5 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends). Passenger and small commercial vehicles will face fees of $15 per day to enter the zone. Drivers that aren’t enrolled in the E-Z Pass electronic toll-payment program generally will pay tolls that are 50% higher. While the new policy is slated to take effect this June, six pending lawsuits challenging the program could delay its implementation.
TRSA will continue to work with our coalition partners to oppose this congestion-pricing scheme. We are seeking to change toll rates for trucks and reduce the per-trip toll to a daily fee. Truck travel is largely nondiscretionary, and 91% of all goods coming in and out of New York City are carried by truck. Further, trucks represent only 4% of all vehicles operating in the affected zone. The revenue generated from this program is designed to fund improvements to transit systems without any benefit to roads and bridges. Our industry should not be expected to pay for investment in public transit, especially given our lack of alternatives for providing goods and services to customers.
This program will drive up costs for our industry and the essential operations we serve, including hospitals and other healthcare facilities, restaurants, hotels, auto shops and other critical businesses. TRSA is hosting a New York State Legislative Conference in Albany, NY, April 15-16. We will seek to educate legislators and regulators about our industry and key policy issues that impact our members. In addition to voicing our concerns about congestion pricing, we will continue to promote pending legislation aimed at increasing the use of reusable textiles in healthcare settings. TRSA members in the New York metro area, including operators and supplier partners based in New Jersey and Connecticut, should attend the conference to meet with state policymakers and help us advocate for our industry. For the agenda and registration information, visit New York Legislative Conference | TRSA.
For more information on NYC congestion pricing, visit congestionreliefzone.mta.info/tolling.