The New York Metro Transit Authority (MTA) voted Wednesday to implement the nation’s first congestion pricing program.
The MTA will now charge vehicles $15 to drive in certain areas of the city. The move passed by an 11-1 vote and infuriated Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D.N.J.), who claimed the new policy was nothing more than a “cash grab.”
“Today’s vote is nothing more than a rubber stamp on the MTA’s unprecedented cash grab. It only proves what we’ve known all along: The MTA is committed to reducing traffic, protecting the environment, and supporting families. They don’t care. They will do anything to hide their historic gains.” “Today, the government ignored the voices of tens of thousands of families pleading with them to do the right thing,” Gottheimer said Wednesday. said in a statement.
“From the NAACP to nurses and teachers to law enforcement and small businesses, families across the tri-state area spoke in one voice: Don’t raise taxes. Don’t mess with our kids. Don’t force a vote. “Congestion tax.” MTA CEO Jano Lieber and the MTA’s only response was, go fly a kite. Well, Jano, we’re not backing down. Buckle up for lawsuits and public outrage, because no one is going to touch Jersey,” he said. Added.
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The New York City Metro Transit Authority voted Wednesday to implement the nation’s first congestion pricing program. (Getty)
Protesters at Wednesday’s rally halted proceedings just before the vote to demand that the MTA provide at least an exemption for yellow taxi drivers, according to ABC News.
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The MTA hailed Wednesday’s vote as “historic” in a statement on social media, saying the plan “will reduce traffic in Manhattan’s central business district, reduce pollution, and provide critical funding for transportation improvements.” he claimed.
“This vote follows an extensive campaign period in which tens of thousands of people spoke out in comments and public hearings, and FHWA’s findings that there will be no material impact. Please take the time to share your thoughts. We thank those who have done so,” the MTA said. Added.
The MTA’s crackdown on private cars comes as the city struggles to ensure the safety of public transportation.
The New York National Guard was called in earlier this month to monitor subway stations, citing a spike in crime threatening commuters.
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A deranged gunman with a long rap sheet pushed a 54-year-old man onto the tracks in Harlem on Monday, and the victim was hit by an oncoming train, police said. On the same day, three stabbings occurred on the subway.
A New York City Police Department transit officer is on a 125th Street platform after a person is forced into the path of a train. (Sam Costanza, New York Daily News, via Getty Images)
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New York City has deployed 800 additional police officers to patrol subways, despite beefing up security with the National Guard.
FOX News’ Michael Dorgan contributed to this report
