Some of the Big Apple's top politicians have supported a controversial $9 congestion fee, but they won't have to pay it to be chauffeured around in NYPD vehicles, The Post has learned.
Mayor Eric Adams, Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Defender Jumaane Williams are among the elite staff with security details that allow free access to the busy zone south of 60th Street in midtown Manhattan.
Susan Lee, leader of the New Yorkers Against Congestion Pricing Tax, said, “City elected officials are exempt from paying congestion pricing taxes because they are being driven by NYPD details.'' I think that's hypocritical.”
“But hard-working uniformed officers working in congestion charge zones still have to pay $9 to drive to work,” Lee added. “How convenient for them to be able to support congestion pricing when they don’t have to bear the costs like everyday New Yorkers.
The Citywide Administrative Services Department, which oversees the government's fleet of vehicles, Cited MTA “Emergency vehicle exemption system.''
“Pursuant to MTA regulations, all law enforcement vehicles, including those serving as part of security, will receive exemptions under the recently implemented congestion pricing program,” DCAS said in a statement.
Emergency vehicles include ambulances as well as police, fire, military, and medical emergency vehicles.
The $9 toll, brokered by Gov. Kathy Hochul, comes as Adams-appointed MTA board members enthusiastically voted in favor of the plan to inject needed funds into the transit agency's struggling capital program. It came into effect on January 5th.
Both Lander and Williams, who are running for mayor, blasted Hochul when he delayed toll collection in June, only to see it happen again just days before the 2024 election.
Mr. Lander also supported a lawsuit filed by Mr. Hochul alleging that he violated the law. When the fee was finally paid, he celebrated.
“This is a long-awaited victory for the millions of hardworking straphangers who ride the subway every day,” Lander said after Hochul lifted the suspension of congestion pricing. “New Yorkers will finally see less traffic, cleaner air, modernized subway signals so trains run on time, and new elevators for everyone.
Follow The Post's coverage of Manhattan's new congestion pricing.
“We filed suit to ensure that congestion pricing was implemented as required by law, but never before was it done at a more urgent time. If we don't get the system up and running, $15 billion in critical transportation investment will be lost and never be seen again.”
williams He also slammed the suspension, saying it would cause “irreparable damage to the city.”
This double standard was intolerable to opponents of tolling.
“This is another blow to the taxpayers. It adds insult to injury,” said Queens City Councilman Robert Holden. “They shouldn't be exempt from congestion charges. They shouldn't have drivers. It's disgusting.”
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-SI/Brooklyn) called the exemption “bull-ball policy.”
“If that's the case [congestion pricing] So great, so why don't they lead by example and personally pay the price they're forcing on working families?
“Better yet, quit your car and take the train.”
Rep. Mike Lawler said the exemption for New York City's top polls is “a rule for you, not a rule for me.”
“Everyone who believes congestion pricing is a good thing should personally follow and pay the toll,” said Lawler, a Republican who represents the lower Hudson Valley and is running for governor. ” he said.
Asked about Adams' position on the issue, a City Hall spokesperson said the MTA exempts all law enforcement vehicles.
MTA spokesman Tim Minton previously said that despite the exemption, the governor plans to use personal funds to “remit $9 to the MTA in toll payment for each day spent in New York City.” he told the Post.
Additional reporting by Vaughn Golden
