Aug 14, 2007 2:58 pm US/Eastern
Feds Agree To Fund NYC Congestion Price Plan
Bloomberg's Plan Not Being Received Well By New Yorkers
by Tamsen Fadal
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan got a big boost Tuesday with the announcement of federal funding. The federal government has agreed to pay $354 million to New York City to help install tolls for drivers entering the busiest parts of Manhattan.
At 10 a.m., U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters announced that New York City will receive federal money to put the mayor's congestion plan into place.
But as traffic streamed into the city Tuesday morning, the thought of paying a toll to enter was less than thrilling to most.
"I think it's a disaster," said one driver. A disaster."
Another driver felt it was "the city's way of taking money from our pockets."
Bloomberg's plan would cost drivers $8 for cars and $21 for trucks when they enter Manhattan south of 86th Street between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
"Forget about it," said truck driver Ephraim Garber. "I'm in and out of New York three or four times a day, I can't afford to pay $21 each time I come in."
Manhattan residents aren't celebrating either. Judy Feldman lives along East 60th St. and sees a majority of the congestion from the 59th Street Bridge. She says she is not sure how much the plan is going to help.
"I don't know how if it's going to help the air quality, it probably will help the congestion," said Feldman. "Although people that can afford to park in the city and drive in everyday probably won't think of anything else will pay the extra, it's a business expense."
In July, the state legislature approved a plan that allowed the city to be eligible for federal funding by creating a commission to study different ways to reduce traffic. This will be the first toll program of its type in the US. London and Singapore already have similar toll programs in place.
According to the Department of Transportation, the money for New York City is contingent on the state legislature approving congestion pricing within 90 days of reconvening. The additional cities that will receive funding will be announced later Tuesday.
There is no word exactly how long it will take for the plan to be put into effect.
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