New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S02140

Introduced
1/15/25  
Refer
1/15/25  

Caption

Exempts commuter vans from the congestion surcharge and the central business district tolling program in New York city.

Summary

Bill S02140 proposes amendments to the tax law and vehicle and traffic law in New York, specifically aimed at exempting commuter vans from congestion pricing and tolls associated with the central business district in New York City. The bill defines 'commuter van' in accordance with existing definitions in the administrative code and establishes that these vehicles will not be subject to the surcharge typically imposed on transportation services. This legislation is intended to facilitate the use of commuter vans as a transportation option within the city, potentially easing congestion and providing a cost-effective alternative for commuters.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would alter the financial obligations of commuter van operators by exempting them from specific tolls and surcharges that currently apply to other forms of transportation. This change could encourage more commuters to utilize these vans, potentially reducing traffic congestion in the central business district. The bill could also set a precedent for future transportation-related exemptions, impacting how similar services are regulated and taxed in New York City.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S02140 appears to be generally supportive among those who advocate for alternative transportation options and reducing congestion in urban areas. However, there may be concerns from other transportation service providers who could be adversely affected by the exemption, leading to a mixed reaction from stakeholders in the transportation sector.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from traditional taxi services and ride-sharing companies, which could argue that exempting commuter vans creates an uneven playing field. These stakeholders may express concerns about fairness and competition, as they are still subject to congestion pricing and tolls. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the potential impact on city revenue from tolls and surcharges that would be lost due to this exemption.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY HR27

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.

NY A11525

Exempts certain residents of the central business district from central business district tolls

NY A10323

Allows commuter vans to accept hails from prospective passengers in the street; directs the New York city taxi and limousine commission to submit to the mayor and the speaker of the council and publish on its website a report on an evaluation of the impact, if any, of authorizing commuter vans to accept hails from passengers in the street on the safe and efficient operation of commuter van services.

NY S08079

Directs the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority to implement a toll discount plan for residents of Orange, Rockland, Dutchess and Putnam counties who commute to work in the city of New York while the central business district tolling program is in effect; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

NY A07588

Enacts the "New York small business growth and support act"; authorizes certain tax exemptions for newly established small businesses during their first three years of operations.

NY S09358

Directs the New York city taxi and limousine commission to establish a pilot program to evaluate the impact of commuter vans accepting street hails; authorizes commuter vans to accept hails from prospective passengers in the street in certain locations until June thirtieth, two thousand thirty; directs the New York city taxi and limousine commission to submit a report evaluating such pilot program to the mayor, the speaker of the council, the governor, the temporary president of the senate, and the speaker of the assembly, no later than February first, two thousand twenty-eight and annually thereafter until the completion of such pilot program.

NY S10537

Authorizes the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to exempt certain residents of the central business district from the central business district toll.

NY HB344

Anti-Congestion Tax Act This bill prohibits the Department of Transportation (DOT) from awarding capital investment grants to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for projects in New York until DOT certifies that vehicles using certain crossings to enter into Manhattan's congestion tolling zone receive exemptions from congestion tolls. The vehicular crossings include the Holland Tunnel, the Lincoln Tunnel, the George Washington Bridge, and any other crossing immediately before entry into the congestion tolling zone.As background, the MTA's Central Business District Tolling Program for New York City charges drivers a toll to enter an area in Manhattan designated as the Congestion Relief Zone. Under the bill, congestion tolling zone generally means any roadways, bridges, tunnels, approaches, or ramps that are located within, or enter to, the Congestion Relief Zone, with some modifications.Specifically, the bill requires the MTA to credit a vehicle for the vehicular crossing toll from the amount of the congestion toll charged to the vehicle for entering the congestion tolling zone.Further, the bill allows drivers entering Manhattan using any of the vehicular crossings immediately before entry into the congestion tolling zone to receive a federal tax credit at the end of the year equal to the amount paid in congestion tolls for using the crossing. 

NY A10340

Increases tax rates imposed on unincorporated businesses and corporations in New York city upon adoption of a local law by the local legislative body of the city of New York.

NY S09189

Increases tax rates imposed on unincorporated businesses and corporations in New York city upon adoption of a local law by the local legislative body of the city of New York.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.