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Apr 2, 2008 2:40 pm US/Eastern
MTA Backs Congestion Pricing, Promises Upgrades
Says They'll Add New Bus Routes, More Subway Service
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
While state lawmakers in Albany debate the pros and cons of congestion pricing, the MTA is making big promises on how mass transit will improve for New Yorkers if it is approved.
The MTA says mass transit will improve for the 96 percent of people who use it to get into midtown Manhattan.
An additional 370 local and express buses will be on city streets. A dozen new bus routes are planned in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx; along with increased service on 48 bus routes in Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx.
There will also be increased subway service on the number '1', 'E' and 'F' lines and longer trains on the 'C' lines.
City transportation officials say these services will happen if state lawmakers pass the congestion pricing plan by next Monday's federal deadline to get the $354 million in aid. Congestion pricing is also expected to generate an annual net revenue stream of about $300 million.
But New Jersey Governor Corzine opposes the plan.
Corzine has threatened to sue - he says the plan to charge drivers $8 a car, or $21 a truck to drive below 60th St. weekdays isn't fair to New Jersey drivers who already pay tolls at the Hudson crossings.
The plan calls for the Port Authority to contribute $1 billion or drivers crossing the Hudson would be forced to pay an extra $3.
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