The issue at hand is particularly pertinent for New Jersey residents who use the George Washington Bridge, as they would be subject to dual toll payments under the new pricing plan, which could result in a daily cost exceeding $25. The resolution argues that this plan not only threatens to overburden New Jersey drivers but also risks diverting traffic to already congested and aging crossings, like the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, which are in dire need of repair. The narrative asserts that New Jersey commuters may lack adequate alternatives due to insufficient capital funding for their transit systems such as NJ Transit and PATH.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 60 (AR60) formally opposes the City of New York's congestion pricing plan. This resolution emerged as a response to a budget measure enacted by New York, which introduced congestion pricing as a means to generate revenue to support the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Under this plan, vehicles entering certain areas in Manhattan would incur a daily charge, significantly impacting commuters, particularly from New Jersey. The resolution points out that the charges could amount to $12 for passenger vehicles and $25 for commercial vehicles per day, raising concerns around fairness for New Jersey motorists who commute to the city.
Contention
Key points of contention highlighted in the resolution include the disproportionate financial burden placed on New Jersey residents compared to those from New York, who do not face a congestion charge under the current stipulations. Governor Murphy's response to the pricing plan asks for a portion of the income generated from New York’s congestion pricing to be allocated towards support for New Jersey's transit systems and exemptions for those crossing the George Washington Bridge. The overarching sentiment of the resolution is that the plan fosters inequity among citizens from neighboring states, reflecting the interconnected nature of their economies and daily commutes.
Motorist Tax Abuse ActThis bill prohibits the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) from establishing or maintaining cordon pricing for the Central Business District Tolling Program for New York City under the FHWA's Value Pricing Pilot Program. The New York program charges drivers a toll to enter an area in Manhattan designated as the Congestion Relief Zone. In general, cordon pricing is a form of congestion pricing that includes a zone-based pricing system that involves either variable or fixed charges to drive within or into a congested area within a city.
This bill prohibits the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) from establishing or maintaining a value pricing program under the FHWA's Value Pricing Pilot Program that includes value pricing, congestion pricing, or cordon pricing. In general, value pricing, also referred to as congestion pricing, includes a variety of strategies to manage congestion on highways and surface streets (e.g., charging drivers on congested roadways during peak periods). Cordon pricing is a form of congestion pricing that includes a zone-based pricing system that involves either variable or fixed charges to drive within or into a congested area within a city.
Establishes "Responsible School Violence Prevention, Preparation, and Protection Pilot Program" in certain counties and cities of first class; makes an appropriation.
This resolution disapproves of the Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City and strongly recommends that (1) New York conduct an economic impact report on the program, and (2) relevant federal agencies and New York halt the program's implementation. The tolling program, also known as congestion pricing, will charge drivers a toll to enter an area designated as Manhattan's central business district.
Repeals congestion pricing (Part A); directs the metropolitan transportation authority to contract with a certified public accounting firm for the provision of an independent, comprehensive, forensic audit of the authority (Part B).