Hudson Valley politicians aim to stop congestion pricing, find ways to provide relief
News 12 spoke with politicians from the Hudson Valley area, who are suggesting relief for residents ahead of congestion pricing that is expected to start in a few months.
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News 12 spoke with politicians from the Hudson Valley area, who are suggesting relief for residents ahead of congestion pricing that is expected to start in a few months.
"Congestion pricing sucks," said State Sen. James Skoufis. "It's outrageous. It's antithesis to really our mission of rebuilding the middle class."
The Democrat has proposed Orange County residents get a discount for taking the Gov. Cuomo-Tappan Zee Bridge like those who live in Rockland and Westchester counties.
He tells News 12 there will be negotiations to try to get it into the final state budget.
"We're not trying to invent or reinvent a new wheel here. We're just trying to get Orange County included in this already existing discount program," said Skoufis.
As News 12 previously reported, Skoufis and other lawmakers joined a federal lawsuit by the teachers union to block congestion pricing, which is currently working it's way through the legal process.
The plan will cost drivers $15 to drive below 60th Street in New York City.
The money will go to the MTA for capital improvements.
"The residents of Rockland County should not have to bear the burden for the mass transit service that they're not going to be able to take advantage of," said Rockland County Legislator Lon M. Hofstein.
The Republican county lawmaker has called on state lawmakers to include discounts for those who take the Gov. Cuomo-Tappan Zee Bridge before entering into the new Manhattan toll zone.
He points the fact that drivers who use some other Hudson River crossings will get a credit.
Hofstein said, "the residents of Rockland county deserve equal treatment."
