It’s been a big couple weeks for the future of the MTA and its ridership, with New York City taking a monumental step towards a greener future. The federal government’s final Finding of No Significant Impact for the Central Business District Tolling Program, released on June 29, paves the way the implementation of this first-in-the-nation policy that will provide crucial funding for the MTA. One week later, Mayor Eric Adams and the NYC Council agreed on a FY24 budget that recognized the importance of public transit access by expanding the Fair Fares Program.
Decades since it was first considered and after years of delays, New York City is finally on track to implement the environmentally-friendly policy, commonly known as congestion pricing, which calls for drivers who enter the city’s business district, between 60th Street and Battery Park, to pay a fee.
New York City has pledged to reduce its emission to net zero by 2050 and implementing congestion pricing is a key component to achieving that goal. The program will help reduce air pollution, improve public health, and raise much-needed funds for improvements to public transportation, which will not only benefit New Yorkers, but also commuters throughout the region.
The plan is expected to raise approximately $1 billion a year for the cash-strapped MTA, which when bonded would add $15 billion to the current MTA capital plan allowing the agency to buy more buses and subway cars and improve service, thereby making public transportation more attractive.
We cannot drive our way out of the climate crisis, and that means we must also make public transit more accessible, which is why we were pleased to see the Fair Fares expansion as part of the NYC FY24 budget. While our public transportation system is vital for all New Yorkers, it is low-income communities and communities of color that face the greatest challenges in accessing and affording it. This program will help achieve a more equitable, affordable, sustainable, and climate-resilient city.
We also applaud Mayor Adams and the NYC Council for not only expanding the Fair Fares program, but also for allocating $23M for the citywide composting program, which will bring us one step closer to our goal of zero waste. In NYC we produce over a million tons of food waste annually which is responsible for 4% of the City’s greenhouse gas emissions. Simply put, tackling food and yard waste is a key tool in our fight against climate change.
Aside from the Fair Fares expansion and funding of citywide composting, we were disappointed that the NYC FY24 budget did not allocate more funding for the environment, including our parks. We thank Council Member Shekar Krishnan and the City Council for pushing back against the Administration’s proposed budget cuts for NYC Parks, however, we were disappointed that the City ultimately left this funding essentially stagnant. By allocating a paltry .01% increase from last year, the City has once again failed to provide the requisite funding for critical maintenance and operations and has fallen far short of the 1% needed for our parks to truly thrive. Read our joint statement with our Play Fair for Parks coalition partner New Yorkers for Parks.
From the migrant crisis to inflation, we recognize that this year presented unique fiscal challenges for the Administration, and in the coming months we look forward to working with the Mayor and the City Council to fund and implement key environmental measures, including the implementation of Local Law 97 as well as the citywide composting program and other zero waste-related programs.
We will also continue our work to combat lead poisoning, address e-bike battery safety, ensure funding for NYCHA sustainable retrofits, and advocate with our partners in the Play Fair for Parks coalition for 1% of the city budget to be allocated to NYC Parks.
And as we celebrate the progression of congestion pricing, we urge the state to swiftly address the final details and expedite its implementation so our entire region can enjoy the far-reaching benefits of this program without further delay. Together, we can create a sustainable and resilient future for New York City and its residents.