The MTA's plan to add a 25% surcharge to congestion pricing during peak traffic periods, including events like the UN General Assembly and major holidays, has sparked controversy. Small business owners on Long Island are particularly concerned about the added cost and its potential impact on their customers.
The MTA claims it has the right to add a 25% surcharge on congestion pricing days when traffic is at its heaviest. These days include when the UN General Assembly is in session, when the president is visiting the city, or during major holiday periods. The surcharge could be implemented as early as January 5th, when congestion pricing begins. During peak congestion, drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street would pay a minimum of $9. This fee would increase to $11.
25 on Gridlock Alert Days. This additional surcharge on top of the base congestion pricing fees has many small businesses on Long Island concerned. Ben Jackson, owner of Ben's General Contracting Corp., a company based in Freeport, said, 'It's a money grab. It's just another tax.' He fears the impact on his business, stating, 'It's going to hurt us. It's another charge! We have to pass it on to the customers.' Vincent Gilmore, president of Bayview Florist in Massapequa Park, expresses similar worries, saying, 'You just tack that on and from there, that cost just unfortunately flows over to the customer. So in the end, who loses? Your everyday citizen.' Governor Hochul released a statement clarifying her stance, 'Hardworking New Yorkers deserve a break, which is why I fought to cut the congestion pricing toll by 40%. This will reduce traffic in Manhattan and fund long-overdue investments in public transit, while keeping costs lower for New Yorkers who drive into the city. We have spoken to the MTA and made it clear: under no circumstances will I allow this discretionary 25% surcharge on gridlock days to be used.'
MTA Congestion Pricing Gridlock Surcharge Small Businesses
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