School buses, city-owned cars granted exemptions from NYC congestion pricing, MTA says
NEW YORK -- Bowing to pressure from Mayor Eric Adams, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Monday issued a new list of those who will be exempt from paying congestion pricing fees.
And to no great surprise, city vehicles will be the biggest beneficiaries.
Public workers like police, firefighters and teachers who drive their own cars to work are not going to be happy with the list of exemptions because they didn't make the grade, but transit officials insist drivers will come to like the new tolling program because it will mean fewer cars on the road.
"I know it's controversial for some folks, but I think this is all about lifting the city and the vast majority of residents that live in congested neighborhoods," said Richard Davey, president of New York City Transit.
Davey defended the MTA's decision to exempt school buses, some commuter buses and thousands of vehicles in the city's fleet, as the board prepares to approve the fare structure for vehicles entering the congestion zone below 60th Street in Manhattan.
Adams had demanded that the MTA exempt school buses and the transit agency heard his plea.
Some 1,200 yellow school buses that travel on routes operated by the Department of Education, plus buses for some charter and private schools, will not have to pay.
Others getting a free pass include commuter vans licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission and buses providing scheduled commuter service open to the public -- both intercity long-distance buses like Megabus and Greyhound, and regional buses like the Hampton Jitney.
"It's great for west of Hudson riders, people who are coming from Rockland who have limited numbers of options, people who are coming from New Jersey who are traveling to interstate places where trains may not go," said Lisa Daglian, executive director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA.
Also exempt are about half of the city's fleet of 26,000 vehicles, which MTA officials described as "specialized government vehicles," or those that are critical to perform public work in the congestion zone.
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Intentionally left off the free pass list were public employees who drive their private cars to work, like cops, firefighters and teachers, who have gone to court in protest.
"It will be up to either the courts or our elected leaders to address the fallout, especially the impact on retention and recruitment for the already understaffed NYPD," Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said.
However, Davey said the MTA can still change things once the program gets started.
"It's not like London hasn't made any changes in its, you know, 10-plus-year existence. So we'll keep an eye on it, obviously, the board, keep an eye on it, but I think it's a huge step forward," Davey said.
The board is expected to vote on Wednesday to approve charging cars $15 during the day. Officials would like to start the program in June, but that will depend on lawsuits in New Jersey and New York. There are hearings in New Jersey on April 3 and 4, and a hearing in Manhattan Federal Court is set for May 17.
