January 6, 2025
| The following statement can be attributed to Lisa Daglian, Executive Director, Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC): “With the flip of a switch, New York is leading the nation. After decades of debate and nearly six years of fits and starts, congestion pricing makes history, realizing the promise of cleaner air, less traffic, better transit, and safer streets. Huzzah! Here’s to saving time and money – to the tune of the $20 billion a year we waste due to congestion. “This program will benefit riders across the region—including New Jersey—by delivering billions of dollars to improve our aging transit infrastructure, including $3 billion for the LIRR and Metro-North, funding for 25 accessibility projects, 250 electric buses and the depots to keep them running, new railcars, the 2nd Ave. Subway extension, upgraded subway signals, and much more. It will also aid drivers, bus riders, and emergency vehicles by finally addressing the congestion plaguing the Central Business District. “Getting this program off the ground was an enormous task, but keeping it going remains daunting. We will remain vigilant to ensure the program runs smoothly and transparently and that the funds raised benefit riders as effectively as possible. We will also continue to urge New Yorkers to get back on transit with smart fare policies, like our proposed Rider-First Fare Agenda. “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Governor Hochul; the patron saint of lost causes, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber; the Legislature; our dedicated partners in advocacy; and the hundreds of dedicated public servants who performed the unglamorous, at times contentious work of implementing this law. Thanks to their efforts, millions of transit riders across the region now stand to benefit. Congestion pricing is a monumental and historic program that’s time has finally come.” |
| Contact: Brian Fritsch, 319-432-8503 [email protected] Lisa Daglian, 917-612-2292 [email protected] |