May 17, 2007 5:44 am US/Eastern
Bill Clinton All In Favor Of Congestion Pricing
Gives Controversial Bloomberg Plan 2 Thumbs Up
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) ―
Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to charge motorists fees to drive into the most congested parts of Manhattan got a powerful boost on Wednesday from former President Clinton.
"The longer I wait in traffic, the better I like it," Clinton said of the plan.
He was asked about the hotly debated proposal at a news conference at which he appeared with Bloomberg. His foundation was announcing a financing plan to help 16 cities around the world make over their buildings with environmental upgrades.
Bloomberg has been lobbying New Yorkers and state lawmakers in Albany to get behind his congestion pricing scheme. He says it would reduce traffic, improve air quality and make the city more sustainable over the long term.
Opponents argue that many of those who drive into Manhattan from the city's outer boroughs can't afford the proposed $8 daily charge and some don't have mass transit alternatives in their neighborhoods.
Bloomberg says the city will not enact congestion pricing until other mass transit options, such as rapid buses, are expanded.
The state Legislature must approve congestion pricing, which could be a tough sell for Bloomberg. Many lawmakers who represent the city's commuters may not support it.
But Clinton warned not to underestimate the mayor, noting his success at pushing through a citywide smoking ban in bars and restaurants despite substantial opposition.
"I wouldn't bet against the mayor's judgment on this," he said.
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
