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Support For Congestion Pricing Picking Up Steam

Gov. Paterson Revives Proposal; Will Albany Shut It Down Twice?

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Drivers already feeling the pinch may now have to dig even deeper to drive into New York City. Support for reviving the controversial congestion pricing plan is picking up steam. But does it have support from the right places?

The big question Wednesday night is whether Governor Paterson will succeed where Mayor Bloomberg failed. Will all his experience in Albany help him convince the skeptics in the legislature to pass congestion pricing?

"It's not a popular idea in Albany, so it's not going to be easy."

Long-time transit advocate Gene Russianoff was on the committee that originally recommended congestion pricing. He still bears the scars of its defeat in Albany three months ago.

"I think it's a viable solution," said Governor Paterson in an interview with CBS 2's Marcia Kramer.

But when Paterson said on Tuesday that congestion pricing could help prevent fare increases and solve teh MTA's financial woes, it gave Russianoff a spark of hope.

"The great thing about the debate on congestion pricing is that it never came to a vote," said Russianoff, "none of them are on the record and my hope is that they'll seriously consider this."

MTA officials are thrilled that the idea to charge drivers who enter Manhattan's central business district a fee between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays is back on the table.

"The want the independent commission chaired by former MTA head Richard Ravitch to consider the controversial plan as a way to raise money for the struggling agency," said MTA Executive Director Eliot Sander.

"It's a very good way of funding part of our deficit. I hope we get a new round...a new shot at it as soon as possible," said MTA Chairman Dale Hemmerdinger.

But just as it did three months ago, the proposal still faces a lot of opposition.

"That wouldn't be very nice for the people who come in from out of town or even for the local residents," said Marie Tuccicco of Suthington, Connecticut.

"Well, I think it will help the environment if we have less drivers around," said Lydia Raspberry of Newark, New Jersey.

With the departure of Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, the changing Albany landscape could affect the outcome of a new congestion pricing debate. New Leader Dean Skelos, a Long Island Republican, was not a supporter of the plan. But if the Republicans lose control of the senate in November, it could give the governor more room to negotiate.

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