MTA holds 2 final public hearing on congestion pricing plan
Following today's public hearings, the MTA board will eventually approve the final toll rate schedule. News
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The MTA held its final public hearings today, giving New York City residents a final chance to share their thoughts on a new congestion pricing plan.
According to the agency, the proposed plan would be applied to vehicles driving into Manhattan south of 60th Street.
"With the toll structure proposed, 100,000 fewer vehicles a day are expected to enter the [Central Business District]," said Juliette Michaelson, deputy chief of policy & external relations for the MTA.
At peak hours, cars would be charged $15, truck drivers would spend $24 to $36 depending on its size and taxis and rideshares up to $2.50.
“That is totally ridiculous," said Pat Harris, a concerned Bronx resident. She said she feels like this is a slap in the face and a money grab by the city. "In this economy, things are so tight and so tough, people are just surviving."
Those in favor of the plan say it’s a small price to pay for less traffic, cleaner air and MTA improvements.
"Less gridlock means less time wasted in traffic, higher economic productivity, faster buses, cleaner air safer streets," said Michaelson.
Following today's public hearings, the MTA board will eventually approve the final toll rate schedule. News 12 is told that the plan is expected to go into effect in mid-June.
MORE: MTA criticized for not holding congestion pricing hearings in communities that lack transit service
