The following statement can be attributed to Lisa Daglian, Executive Director, Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC):
“Good news for riders came from two federal judges today in separate cases, each of whom denied Temporary Injunctions that would have halted congestion pricing’s January 5th start date.
“In her detailed and deliberate ruling from the bench, Judge Siebel noted that drivers from Rockland and Orange counties will have shorter commutes and benefit from less congestion, while the residents who take transit will also be big winners thanks to improvements to the system. She noted the myriad benefits that come from investing in mass transit and reducing congestion. Earlier in the day, Judge Liman cited the program’s goals of improving air quality, providing safety benefits, enhancing worker productivity, and reducing noise pollution due to decreased congestion, as well as the significant downside for MTA riders throughout the region if the program were prevented from proceeding.
“Riders are the biggest winners today as the start of the nation’s first congestion pricing program approaches. Nearly 90% of commuters to the central business district rely on transit, but everyone in and around the region will benefit from better air quality, less traffic, better bus speeds and faster emergency response times, and historic investments in critical transit infrastructure.
“There’s no doubt that Rockland riders need better service — and a one-seat ride — and we’re committed to continuing to be a voice for that change, even as we maintain strong support for New York’s historic congestion pricing program.”