New York's City Council asked the Legislature to enact Mayor Michael Bloomberg's “congestion pricing'” proposal, which would charge motorists fees for entering Manhattan's busiest sections on weekdays, Bloomberg News reports.

 

The council's vote of 30 to 20, one of the narrowest of the Bloomberg administration, came in the form of a Home Rule resolution asking state lawmakers to approve a Senate bill recently amended by Governor David Paterson empowering the city to impose the traffic plan.

 

The council's action moves the issue to the Legislature, which has been enmeshed in negotiations over a budget overdue for the fiscal year that began recently. The U.S. Department of Transportation has offered the state $354 million in mass transit aid if the plan is approved by April 7.

Cars would be charged $8, trucks $21, to enter from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Proponents say it would raise $491 million, all dedicated to improve and maintain the largest U.S. public transit system, which moves some 4.5 million riders a day.

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine is threatening to sue over the proposed charge to drivers entering Manhattan, if New Jersey commuters have to pay.

 

According to Bloomberg News, low-emission trucks would pay $7 and taxis and limousines would be assessed a $1 surcharge for each trip that begins or ends in the zone. Motorcycles and scooters would pay $4.

0 Comments