MTA board officially OKs controversial congestion toll at $15 per day as program moves one step closer to launch
NY Post
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s board formally set a controversial congestion toll on Wednesday — in a move that will charge motorists $15 to drive on Manhattan streets south of 60th Street.
The 11-1 vote brings the program one step closer to a likely June launch, despite opposition from opponents who argue it will hurt commuters and derail Manhattan’s post-pandemic recovery.
The plan, which advocates say will generate billions for needed transit and railroad upgrades while slashing traffic, includes carveouts for private buses and many city-owned cars.
The only person to vote against the plan Wednesday was David Mack, who represents suburban Nassau County.
“Don’t kill the goose that lays the egg,” Mack told his fellow members shortly before the vote.
But a top aide to Mayor Eric Adams who serves on the board, Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi, signaled that City Hall would continue to push for an exemption for cabs. Alternatively, City Hall could push Albany lawmakers to nix another fee levied on taxi receipts that boosts the MTA’s budget for running trains and buses.
