The Governor's proposal for congestion pricing is already dividing New York representatives. The plan calls for a fee on drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. The money would fund badly needed subway repairs.
But a contingent of political and civic leaders from Queens gathered Sunday on the Manhattan side of the Queensboro Bridge to declare their opposition. They called it a tax on working people who don't have travel options. State Assemblyman David Weprin and Queens City Councilman Barry Grodenchik led the opposition. They said their constituents don't have easy access to the subway and many must drive to get to work, doctor visits and other appointments in Manhattan.
About 20 public transit advocates organized by the Riders Alliance showed up to support congestion pricing — effectively opposing the opposition. They held signs calling on the state to fix the subway system and chanted loudly while Weprin and others spoke to reporters. Rebecca Bailin, campaign organizer with the Riders Alliance, called the governor's plan progressive and said it would help millions of working New Yorkers who rely on the subway every day. Brooklyn City Councilman Brad Lander showed up to support congestion pricing and the public transit advocates.