By Forum Staff
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority recently announced details of a public comment period of the tolling structure that has been proposed for Central Business District Tolling, New York’s congestion pricing program. The agency will accept written and audio comments starting tomorrow and will hold four hybrid virtual/in-person public hearings in February and March.
The proposed tolling structure https://new.mta.info/document/129191. It is modeled on recommendations made by the Traffic Mobility Review Board on Nov. 30.
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The highly anticipated hearings begin on Thursday, Feb. 29, and conclude on Monday, March 4.
Starting Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, and continuing for 76 days through Monday, March 11, 2024, members of the public may submit written comments online and by email, mail and fax, and may submit audio comments by leaving a voicemail message. All comments will be recorded and submitted for review.
Online: https://contact.mta.info/s/forms/CBDTP
Email: cbdtp.feedback@mtabt.org
Mail: CBD Tolling Program, 2 Broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004
Phone: (646) 252-7440
Fax: Send to (212) 504-3148 with Attention to CBDTP Team.
The hearings begin on Thursday, Feb. 29, and conclude on Monday, March 4. Members of the public who wish to speak at the hearings are required to register in advance at https://new.mta.info/agency/bridges-and-tunnels/cbd-tolling-hearing, by calling the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777, or in person. Registration will open one week before the start time of each hearing and will close 30 minutes after the beginning of the hearing. Speakers will be provided two minutes to speak. The hearings will be hosted in person at 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 in the William J. Ronan 20th Floor Board Room. People may also register to participate remotely via Zoom or telephone.
The hearings will be accessible online at mta.info/CBDTP at these dates and times:
Thursday, Feb. 29, at 6 p.m.
Friday, March 1, at 10 a.m.
Monday, March 4, at 10 a.m.
Monday, March 4, at 6 p.m.
Each public hearing will be livestreamed on the MTA YouTube channel at youtube.com/@mta-live and on the project website: mta.info/CBDTP.
Next Steps
The Central Business District Tolling Program was mandated by the State of New York in April 2019 and modeled on urban congestion pricing programs around the world to reduce traffic congestion and raise needed revenue to improve public transportation. Other cities around the world that have similar programs have also experienced improved air quality.
Following the public comment period, MTA Bridges and Tunnels (known legally as the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority) will review the public comments. Then its Board, which is coterminous with the MTA Board, will consider adopting a ratemaking regulation that includes any updates that may follow the public comment period.
As with any proposed toll ratemaking, this public comment period is being conducted in accordance with the State Administrative Procedure Act.
If language assistance or any other accommodations are required, please submit a request at least five (5) business days before the scheduled hearing date in one of the following ways: e-mailing cbdtp.feedback@mtabt.org, calling the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777, or by sending a letter to MTA Government & Community Relations, Attn: Central Business District Tolling Program Hearings, 2 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10004.
