The MTA will waive a new $15-a-day congestion fee for the majority of the Big Apple’s city fleet and most private bus operators, including Hampton Jitney, agency officials announced Monday.
The controversial plan already excluded city specialty vehicles such as fire trucks and snowplows, but Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said the group would be able to apply for new tolls covering local roads and thoroughfares. It also extends to city-owned vehicles assigned to locations. It is located south of 60th Street in Manhattan.
Previously, buses were exempt only if they were owned by a transit agency, such as the MTA or New Jersey Transit Authority, or if they contracted with a government agency to provide the service.
Now, private operators who operate regular ticket-based services will no longer have to pay high fees.
The MTA plans to include the changes in its final rate proposal, which it plans to submit to the board on Wednesday, officials said.
Patrick Condren, who works with private bus companies, said of the agency: “We look forward to continuing to work with them.” “We provide a public service to the equestrian public and we are pleased that the MTA recognizes that.
“Buses are clearly a congestion reliever,” Condren added, noting that one of the goals of the toll road is to reduce traffic in Midtown while reducing pollution and raising money for public transportation improvements. Ta.
Other key elements of the toll plan are expected to remain largely unchanged, with transit officials calling the adjustments “clarifications” rather than concessions.
“The MTA will vote this week on congestion pricing rates that are closely related to the recommendations of the Transportation Mobility Review Board and will include certain clarifications, including items raised by New York City and others,” agency officials said. Juliet Michelson said. In a statement.
The MTA hopes to start collecting tolls in June. Still, the plan now requires the federal government to conduct a full and thorough review of how the fees would increase traffic to other parts of the city and further increase pollution there. The case is pending in court over the opposition’s accusations that it did not occur.
Arguments in the lawsuit brought by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and other politicians from the Garden State are scheduled to begin April 3 in Newark.
With this congestion pricing plan, you can exit Manhattan’s West Side Highway or FDR Drive onto a public road south of 60th Street between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends. The company charges the driver $15 per day if
Drivers coming during peak hours through the separately tolled Hudson Tunnel or East River Tunnel will receive a $5 discount on congestion tolls, with their second toll reduced to $10.
Off-peak congestion charges are reduced to $3.75 per day.
Trucks are charged $24 or $36 per day to enter the zone during peak hours, depending on their size. To move deliveries to businesses and buildings away from rush hour, when roads are congested, customers will receive deep discounts to just $6 and $9, respectively, during off-peak hours.
Additionally, residents living in toll zones with annual incomes of less than $60,000 can deduct tolls as state taxes, while residents with incomes of less than $50,000 or those receiving welfare benefits can deduct their tolls after the 10th You can receive a $7.50 discount on peak rates. Toll.
