Seek Improved Mass Transit Before Congestion Pricing
BY JOHN TOSCANO

Transportation Committee chairman, Councilmember John Liu

City Councilmember David Weprin, who opposes Mayor Michael Bloomberg's congestion pricing program, stated at a council committee hearing last week that instead of the mayor's congestion pricing tax, "We should be considering a reintroduction of a non-resident income tax. "This would generate much more revenue for mass transit projects than a scheme that pits New Yorkers in different neighborhoods against each other," Weprin, council Finance Committee chairman, said.

Weprin made his comments at a joint Finance and Transportation Committee hearing where the latter panel's chairman, Councilmember John Liu, noted that despite Bloomberg's assurance that transit improvements would come before congestion pricing, "There is no budgetary commitment [for transit improvements] in [Bloomberg's] executive budget for next year."

Liu (D- Flushing) urged the administration to commit to funding more express buses, high-speed ferries and commuter rail access immediately. He added: "The economic benefits of reducing congestion warrant the investment of funds for transit now to these relatively low-cost transportation improvements."

Others have urged the mayor to improve transit alternatives to nudge motorists out of their cars to get to their jobs and businesses in Manhattan, which would help achieve the objectives of the congestion pricing program. It calls for an $8-a-car tax for anyone entering Manhattan southbound at 86th Street.

Other criticism of the mayor's controversial plan came from Councilmember Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D- Ozone Park). He raised questions about the city's commitment and timetable for establishing fast ferry service from the Rockaways, which is in Addabbo's district.

The joint hearing was called to hear testimony on the city's application to secure federal funding for a three-year congestion pricing pilot program and other transit issues.

Testifying for the administration, Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik- Khan stated that the mayor's environmental plans would address the challenges faced by the city as 900,000 people are added to the population and the city takes on the challenges of global warming.

Sadik- Khan said that congestion pricing was a key element of the mayor's strategy and would reduce congestion throughout the city and provide necessary funds to improve transit in both the short and the long term.

Concerning the MTA, Liu asked about reports that the federal government still has not provided the funding for part of the $592 million capital program for subway security upgrades announced in early 2003. MTA officials were unable to provide an update on the status of these funds, Liu said.

Liu also asked whether the creation of the new SMART board, which would issue bonds and collect revenues from the congestion pricing plan, would impact other MTA operations. Again, MTA officials were unable to provide answers, Liu said.