New Jersey held oral arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit against New York state over $15 per day congestion fees for Manhattan commuters. The lawsuit alleges that the plan would impose an economic burden on New Jersey residents and fail to reduce pollution. WABC TV report.
According to the complaint, the Federal Highway Administration approved New York City’s tolls without “adequately considering the environmental impacts” and “reducing the significant economic burden placed on New Jersey residents and New Jersey’s transportation system.” “I ignored it.”
The complaint alleges that the federal government rushed approval without fully considering the potential impact.
Randy Mastro, an attorney representing New Jersey in the case, said it was “disturbing” that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority concluded that congestion pricing would have “no material impact” on traffic, economy or air quality in nearby areas. It’s going to be far away.” new york post report. Mastro argued that FHWA’s approval was “predetermined.”
Mr Mastro questioned whether the review had “rigorously considered the negative environmental impacts” on the “region as a whole”.
“They didn’t take New Jersey into consideration enough,” he said.
As part of New York City’s congestion pricing plan, we provided $35 million in relief for the Bronx. However, no funds were allocated to New Jersey.
“There is a promise of mitigation to the Bronx, amounting to $1. Doesn’t that amount to differential treatment and potentially rise to the level of arbitrariness?” Justice Leo Gordon wrote for the MTA. asked an FHWA attorney.
Elizabeth Knauer, an attorney representing the MTA, denied the claims of discriminatory treatment.
New Jersey officials hope the lawsuit will prompt the federal government to conduct a more thorough evaluation. Gov. Phil Murphy (D) argued that New York City’s plan would only shift pollution to surrounding areas.
“We’re not eliminating pollution, we’re just moving pollution from Manhattan to New Jersey,” Murphy said Tuesday. “On top of that, you are charging our commuters exorbitant rates.”
Murphy claimed the city’s plan is a “blatant cash grab.”
WABC reported that more than 400,000 New Jersey residents commute to Manhattan each day. A new toll structure set to go into effect in June will require New Jersey commuters to pay millions of dollars to the MTA.
“The end result is that New Jersey will bear much of the environmental, financial, and human impact burden of this congestion pricing system, without receiving any of its benefits,” the lawsuit says. It has said.
The MTA has introduced controversial congestion charges. 11-1 vote last week. Under the plan, most passenger vehicles would be charged a $15 fee per day if they drive below 60th Street. Light trucks and charter buses cost $24 per day, and large trucks and tour buses cost $36 per day. Motorcycle tolls cost $7.50 per day. Prices drop by 75% in the evening. Commuters using taxis and black car services will have to pay an additional $1.25, while Uber and Lyft passengers will have to pay an additional $2.50.
New York City plans to use the state’s existing E-ZPass system for most toll collection. Drivers without a pass will be charged a higher rate. For example, he would be charged $22.50 per day instead of $15 per day for a passenger vehicle without an E-ZPass.
Drivers who earn less than $50,000 a year may be eligible for a discount.
City officials expect the plan to go something like this. 17% reduction in traffic And it collects $1 billion every year. Funds raised through the toll system will be used to improve public transport.
The city currently faces six lawsuits over its congestion pricing plan.
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