Union leaders have condemned New York's governor's “cruel and disgusting” decision to introduce congestion pricing amid a spike in subway crime.
said Phil Valenti of Transportation Workers Union Local 106. new york post This week, New Yorkers are being forced to choose between paying high tolls and taking the crime-ridden subway system.
“We now have mentally ill people from all over the world who are homeless, walking the streets, riding the subways, and killing people indiscriminately.”
With congestion pricing set to go into effect Sunday, Valenti told news outlets, “New Yorkers are being forced into a horribly unfair position.”
“Introducing congestion pricing now is terrible and disgusting. It's just a slap in the face,” he said. “The subway is dangerous right now. Please take a rest.”
“You can pay $9 and get into a congestion pricing zone, or you can ride the subway, where violent crime is skyrocketing. At least some drivers will be afraid to ride the subway, and the whole purpose of congestion pricing is It's going to be ruined. MTA Chairman Jano Lieber and Governor Cathy are to blame for this absolute mess,” Valenti explained.
Hochul previously scrapped a proposed $15 toll in June following public and legal backlash. But after the November election, she revived the plan at a reduced price.
Cars entering below 60th Street in Manhattan pay a $9 toll, light trucks $14.40, large trucks $21.60, motorcycles $4.50, taxis $0.75 and Uber and Lyft drivers $1.50. Must be.
“It used to be $15, now it's $9. That's a 40% reduction,” Hochul said in November. “This toll reduction will save daily commuters nearly $1,500 a year, and that kind of money makes a huge difference to our families. And low-income New Yorkers will receive an even greater discount. . Car owners with an annual income of less than $50,000 will receive a 50% discount on their 10th monthly bill. Plus, after 9 p.m., you'll receive an additional discount.
Valenti told the newspaper that solving the MTA's $700 million annual losses from subway and bus fare fraud should take precedence over congestion pricing.
“Governor Hochul's policy of making New York State a widespread sanctuary state now has mentally ill people from all over the world walking the streets, riding the subways, and randomly killing people.” said Valenti. “Passengers and workers are not safe.”
Guardian Angels, a volunteer crime prevention group, has begun patrolling the subways in response to the dangerous situation in the city.
Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa told the Post: “We cover the actual train from front to back, walking around inside the train and making sure everything is okay.” he said.
MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan told news outlets that crime on the subway in 2024 was “down 5.4%.”
“Thousands of NYPD transit officers work day and night to keep subways safe, and the record shows they are making an impact,” said Michael Kemper, the MTA's chief security officer. It reflects that.”
“I know firsthand that to suggest otherwise is to belittle the commitment of transit agencies to their employees and riders, and the real results they deliver,” Kemper said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Governor Hochul's office told the Post, “Governor Hochul will reduce congestion toll fees by 40%, eliminate a potential 25% surge fee, and make subways safer for commuters and transit workers.'' I'm fighting every day to do that.”
“The Governor has deployed an additional 1,250 uniformed law enforcement officers to support the NYPD's efforts to protect subway riders. We continue to work to fight crime and improve public safety. ' added the spokesperson.
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