Final 2 public hearings on congestion pricing to be held Monday
While rallies both supporting and opposing the plan have dominated the five boroughs over the last few months, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber says as far as he's concerned, congestion pricing is happening.
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Congestion pricing is getting closer to becoming a reality in New York City, with the MTA hosting the final two public hearings for comment at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday.
While rallies both supporting and opposing the plan have dominated the five boroughs over the last few months, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber says as far as he's concerned, congestion pricing is happening. This is despite telling reporters on Friday that, "this was enacted as a matter of state law in 2019. The MTA is just trying to implement it in effective way that's fair to everybody."
That implementation is where Lieber says the meetings, although required by law, still matter.
"This process is real. there is a toll structure on the table, but we're getting comments on it, does it make sense, and how might you adjust it, so we're taking it very seriously," he explained.
The current structure would scan tolls when drivers head into Manhattan south of 60th Street, with most drivers paying $15.
Advocates say it will reduce traffic, be good for the environment and raise money the city admits it badly needs for upgrades and maintenance.
Still, many groups have made arguments that they should get exceptions. Lieber says they're learning a lot, with some changes already happening off of the first two meetings.
The MTA plans to also take written comments through next Monday, March 11.
