New York State legislators are advocating for a $90 million investment in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus services in anticipation of the upcoming $15 congestion pricing toll in Manhattan.
Led by State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, both Democrats from Queens, the group has initiated the “Get Congestion Pricing Right” campaign, urging the state to allocate funds for enhancing bus services before the toll’s implementation, potentially in mid-June.
The two lawmakers are of the opinion that congestion pricing will lead to an uptick in bus ridership.
They propose that the state should preemptively establish more affordable commuting options for individuals traveling south of 60th Street.
Gianaris noted, “We’re just a matter of months now from this going into effect. Now, what we need to do is make sure that everything surrounding this concept is done right.”
The plan includes a proposal to dedicate $45 million from this year’s state budget to increase bus frequencies south of 60th Street in Midtown Manhattan.
Critics argue that the lawmakers’ efforts come too late, as the congestion pricing plan, a first of its kind in the nation, was approved back in 2019.
Bill O’Riley, a representative for Keep New York City Congestion Tax-Free, expressed frustration, stating, “They are covering their a—s. They are running for the hills,” and highlighted the political timing of the move, “The legislators are going into election season and are freaking out. They’re throwing spaghetti at the wall.”
Senator Gianaris acknowledged the timing issues, admitting to The New York Post, “It should have been done sooner. We’re doing it as fast as we can now.”
“I think the MTA has been grossly underfunded for decades and that’s part of why last year we had success in bailing them out and filling their budget hole,” he added.
The “Get Congestion Pricing Right” campaign also seeks to expand the MTA’s fare-free pilot program, with a proposed $45 million funding to triple the number of free buses across New York’s five boroughs.
Assemblyman Mamdani highlighted the success of the existing fare-free bus program, noting a 20% increase in ridership and aiming for broader service improvements.
However, there are concerns about potential bus driver shortages due to the increased service demands.
Mamdani assured that the expansion could be achieved with the MTA’s current resources, focusing on better utilization of existing buses and operators.
The funding push follows recent developments that the congestion toll might begin as early as mid-June, after years of delays and legal challenges.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber expressed optimism that the agency could commence toll charging for drivers in May.
Lieber stated, “We’re going to be ready to go, obviously, when those lawsuits are resolved, I believe, before the end of May, and we’ll be able to start and see the benefits of congestion pricing hopefully this summer.”
