Local News

Congestion Pricing Making A Comeback

It May Take A Different Name Or Form, But Gov. Paterson Throws Support Behind Bloomberg's Controversial Idea

NEW YORK (CBS) ― It's the news drivers have been dreading during these especially tough economic times. New York City's congestion pricing plan has new life, and that may mean another major hit to your wallet.

CBS 2 HD has obtained exclusive information on the plan drivers love to hate.

Albany shot it down, but congestion pricing may get the green light anyway.

"I thought Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan was unique and well thought out," Gov. David Paterson said on Tuesday.

Paterson told CBS 2 HD in an exclusive interview that the controversial proposal to charge drivers who enter the Central Business District of Manhattan a fee between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday is back.

It may be just the ticket for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's budget woes, and a way to hold down fares and improve service.

"I think it's a viable solution," Paterson said.

Months ago Richard Ravitch was named by the governor to lead an independent commission to find ways to fund the MTA. He told CBS 2 HD he'd like to take another look at congestion pricing, too.

"I agree with (the governor) fully," Ravitch said.

"The idea of raising revenue through the use of automobiles in this city is something that would have to be considered as one of many options."

But Ravitch, the former head of the MTA, will have to mount a big campaign to sell it to some New Yorkers.

"I think it's wrong and I think it's unfair," one person said.

"I hate it. I can't take it," said Brian Doherty of Queens.

"Bad idea. I can't afford it. It's that simple," said Jim Spencer of Stamford, Conn.

"We got the tolls going up. It's going to be hard for everybody," said Kelly James of the Bronx.

Added Richie Rivera of Bayonne, N.J.: "I don't know what they do with all the money in the Transit Authority. They were above budget a few years ago and now they're under budget. I don't know where all the money is going, but I don't think they should pay more than they pay now."

The first meeting of the Ravitch Commission is Wednesday, and sources tell CBS 2 HD because congestion pricing got such a bad rap. They may end up calling it something else.

Meanwhile, the MTA might need even more money for big ticket items like the Second Avenue subway and a train to Kennedy Airport.

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