The MTA expects to have federal approval for its downtown Manhattan congestion pricing plan by the top of this yr, organising a launch of the brand new charges by the top of 2023, officers stated.
“We look ahead to a profitable launch of the congestion pricing program in direction of the top of 2023,” Steve Berrang, the MTA’s Director of Capital Program Administration, testified throughout a Metropolis Council finances listening to on Wednesday.
“We anticipate that we are going to receive FWHA —federal — approval for our environmental evaluation for congestion pricing,” Berrang stated. “Roughly one yr after that —310 days to be precise — building will likely be full, and we anticipate funding to begin to move to the MTA.”
Congestion pricing handed the state legislature in April 2019 with the backing of disgraced ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Cash from the tolls to drive into elements of Manhattan will go to the MTA and different transportation initiatives.
Initially scheduled to begin in January 2021, this system was delayed by President Donald Trump’s administration. Solely after President Joe Biden took workplace did the MTA get the go-ahead to conduct an environmental overview.
State legislators mandated a income goal of $1 billion per yr to assist $15 billion in loans for transit enhancements. However they left key particulars to a six-member panel referred to as the “Visitors Mobility Evaluate Board,” which is meant to set the toll, however has but to satisfy.
Official MTA estimates for the toll charges vary from $9 to $23 for passenger automobiles, relying on the time of day. Vehicles will possible be charged extra, in response to the MTA.
Transit officers held a number of public conferences within the fall to gather enter from individuals throughout the tri-state area.
A number of teams have lobbied for exemptions to the brand new charges.
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