Transit activists held a rally outside the New York City office of New York’s governor Monday demanding the congestion pricing plan be put back on track. The plan was derailed a few weeks ago, before this past Sunday’s original start date. Public Transit supporters say the revenue from the toll is needed for MTA bus and subway service improvements. They also cite increased safety on the streets once fewer cars are driving in the congestion zone below 60th street. Assemblyman John McGowan of the 97th district, covering Orangetown and portions of Ramapo, says it seems the environmental concerns have taken a back seat to infrastructure spending…
McGowan says Governor Kathy Hochul could call the legislature back to session to handle this and perhaps other unfinished items. Rockland State Senator Bill Weber of the 38th district says for right now, despite city lawmakers’ concerns, there’s been no official call to return, and the congestion pricing plan remains on pause…
Some state lawmakers have argued the plan should go forward with perhaps a lesser penalty than the $15 originally suggested.