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City Flirts With Congestion Pricing As Way To Rescue MTA
By
Lauren Evans
Published Jul 22, 2015
Modified Jul 22, 2015
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By
Lauren Evans
Published Jul 22, 2015
Modified Jul 22, 2015
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Congestion pricing is once again being discussed as a possible solution for combatting the MTA's crushing deficit, now valued at $14 billion. It's been shot down plenty of times in the past, but as of this morning, it's back on the table.
In a letter sent to the MTA today, First Deputy Mayor Anthony Shorris pointed to the potentially apocalyptic circumstances in which the agency could find itself if urgent steps are not taken. The MTA’s 2015-2019 capital plan calls for $32 billion in projects to maintain and improve the system.
"Without a funding solution, the MTA will be unable to maintain the system in a state of good repair, forfeiting the progress that has been made in bringing the system back from the brink of collapse in the 1980s," Shorris wrote, adding that new projects like the Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access could face interminable delays as the system struggles to operate on nominally functional level.
Considering the city already funds 70 percent of the MTA's operating budget through taxes, tolls and fares, and federal aid doesn't appear to be coming through any time soon, Shorris says it's up to the state to work with the city to help fill the gap. This could include raising money through the congestion pricing strategy MoveNY, but also potentially by increasing existing MTA-dedicated taxes and direct financial aid.
"Given the urgency of the situation, the City is ready and willing to work with the state to develop a sound, long-term solutions," he said.
If implemented, the plan would raise roughly $1.5 billion for work on roads and improvements to mass transit. In May, de Blasio increased capital funding for the MTA to meet its $657 million request, in addition to the $1 billion per year provided in operating funds.
The MTA also announced to that its July financial plan will generate as much as $2.4 billion in new funding thanks to "unanticipated revenues, greater cost savings and more efficient operations."
De Blasio has been ambivalent about the controversial plan, which would charge drivers a toll for crossing the city's currently free East River bridges. The system is in place in other cities like London and Singapore, but serves the dual purpose of not only reducing traffic, but netting a nice profit for the city's financially crippled transit system. This particular version, detailed by Move NY and backed by former traffic commissioner "Gridlock Sam" Schwartz, would reduce the hefty tolls currently in place at several bridges between the boroughs, while the Williamsburg, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Ed Koch/Queensboro Bridges would all cost a flat rate of $5.33.
Shorris's letter does not explicitly endorse congestion pricing or MoveNY, but counts it among "a number of options…all of which demand financial sacrifice and political leadership."
Congestion pricing was originally introduced as a potential balm for the MTA's budget shortfall by Bloomberg, who applauded its effects in reducing pollution in other cities. The plan, though, was found unpalatable by outer borough politicians, and killed by erstwhile Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver in 2008.
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