July 25, 2024
My name is Layla Law-Gisiko, I am the president of the City Club of New York. For over a hundred years, the City Club has championed sound environmental policies.
The indefinite postponement of congestion pricing poses a significant threat to our city's infrastructure and environment. Congestion pricing is designed to reduce traffic and emissions, leading to improved air quality and a healthier environment for all New Yorkers. This is not just an enhancement; its a lifeline.
Moreover, this program is essential to secure the critical state and federal funding required for major public transit investments. The MTA's ability to modernize subway signals, purchase new buses, and implement vital accessibility improvements hinges on the revenue generated by the program. These projects are not mere upgrades; they are necessary to ensure safe, efficient, and equitable transportation for millions of people in the region. Without this funding, our public transit system risks falling into disrepair, undermining our commitment to building a resilient and sustainable city.
For example, the next phase of the Second Avenue Subway relies in very large part on the implementation of the program. Why? Because The federal government has conditioned its grant for more than three billion dollars for this project on New York's ability to demonstrate that the state can provide its own share of the funding, which was expected to come from the program. Postponing congestion pricing threatens this crucial project and many more. It exemplifies the domino effect that delaying this policy will have on our infrastructure.
And listen, we will not get people out of their cars unless we can offer a reliable public transportation alternative. This transit system needs the program for these crucial capital investments.
The City Club stands for sound urban and infrastructure policies. If we want New York to remain viable, practical, enjoyable, we need to be able to move! We can’t continue to choke on vehicular traffic. And we can’t continue to disinvest from our public transportation systems.
The City Club of New York, as a plaintiff fighting in court for the implementation of this policy, understands the urgency of these investments. They cannot be deferred. Our region’s future depends on making bold, forward- thinking decisions today.
We urge policymakers to prioritize the immediate implementation of congestion pricing. It's a crucial step towards a sustainable, and equitable region. Let’s not jeopardize our future by postponing decisions that can secure a better quality of life for generations to come.
Photo Credit: Kevin Prichard Photography
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