The MTA shared what the very first thing was they purchased with the toll cash that has are available for the reason that controversial congestion pricing plan was implement on Sunday.
The $9 peak toll ($2.25 off-peak) was put into place, partially, to modernize New York Metropolis’s mass transit system. On Friday, the pinnacle of the company performed show-and-tell whereas displaying what a number of the money coming in has gone to — the very first thing bought utilizing congestion pricing toll cash.
“This is the first project unlocked by congestion pricing,” stated MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, standing in entrance of two metropolis buses throughout a press convention.
Lieber revealed that 265 new electrical buses had been bought, a part of the MTA’s promise to place all of the buses in a brand new vitality environment friendly depot and lower down on the air pollution from the outdated diesel buses. The brand new 40-foot, zero-emission buses will function on routes throughout the town.
“I often talk about communities from Astoria to Jamaica being called ‘Asthma Alley,'” stated Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
So how profitable has congestion pricing been in decreasing visitors in Manhattan? MTA leaders on Friday wouldn’t reveal what number of drivers have been charged for the brand new congestion tolls in plan’s first week, or how a lot cash the MTA made. That is as a result of the company continues to be crunching the numbers.
“About 10 to 20 percent of all detections actually get a person looking at them. To validate the system is working properly,” stated Lieber.
Nonetheless, Lieber did say that commuting speeds have been quicker, particularly throughout the morning rush.
However lawmakers have considerations they hear from consitituents.
“I’m still hearing a lot of people concerned about what this means for their bottom line,” stated Queens Metropolis Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers.
Many metropolis and state lawmakers have stated they’ll solely help congestion pricing if the MTA is open about who will get charged, and the way the brand new transit {dollars} will probably be spent.
“Full transparency on how they’re spending their money so public can be comfortable,” stated Queens State Sen. Leroy Comrie.
