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Dear John,
Some much-needed good news in New York City: Today, Governor Hochul announced that she will lift the pause on the implementation of congestion pricing!
This is a long-awaited win for millions of hard-working straphangers who ride the subway every day. New Yorkers will finally see less traffic, cleaner air, modernized subway signals so trains run on time, and new elevators so everyone can use public transit.
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Lawsuits were brought to ensure that congestion pricing would go into effect as required by law—and this announcement couldn’t come at a more urgent time. As identified in my latest report, “Protecting New York City,” [[link removed]] if we don’t get the system in operation before Donald Trump becomes President, we’ll lose $15 billion in critical transit investments that we’ll never see again.
(Read our full report [[link removed]] for a clear-eyed, albeit not so happy, analysis of the threats the incoming Trump administration poses to NYC’s infrastructure, economy, budget, and people).
We have work to do to prepare for the fights ahead. For today, though, I thank Governor Hochul and the MTA for ending the pause and look forward to seeing her sign the tolling agreement with the federal government to ensure that the system is implemented before Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
A toll beginning at $9 and phasing up over time can raise enough revenue to meet the moment, comply with State law, and the federally-approved environmental assessment so we’re on solid legal footing, all while ensuring that our transit infrastructure will remain viable for generations to come.
Thanks,
Brad
P.S. In even more good news, did you hear that Council Member Chi Ossé’s bill to end forced broker fees passed yesterday? The FARE Act will make our city more affordable, more livable, and more equitable, putting money back in the hands of working families and tenants.
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Office of the New York City Comptroller
Our mailing address is:
Office of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander
1 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
United States
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