S.I. Commuters Concerned About Congestion Pricing

By Michelle Park
NY1 News

Drivers on Staten Island have strong opinions on the city's congestion pricing plan.

"I think it's a little ridiculous," said Matthew Gill, a commuter from Silverlake. "It's hard enough for young New Yorkers like me starting out every day, they're just making it real difficult on us. I mean enough is enough."

Congestion pricing would establish an $8 fee to drive in Manhattan below 60th street between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Staten Island's mass transit commuters also feel the plan would negatively affect their commute.

"It's going to affect everyone because you are still going to have the same amount of people if not more people, because more people are constantly moving into the city, needing to commute into the city," said commuter Jimmy Sedani. "If they're traveling by mass transit, we're going to have congestion in the mass transit system."

The city council passed the plan with a tight 30-20 vote Monday - and now the legislation awaits a state vote in Albany. If passed, the city would receive $354 million dollars in federal funding.

Steve Harrison, an opponent of the plan, is planning to run in the primary against Brooklyn District 13's Councilman Domenic Recchia, who voted for the plan.

"Let the people in Albany know that there are major issues with this. They do not have the support of the people," said Harrison. "That was clear when we walked around here and they clearly don't have the support of the people of Staten Island and the people of this congressional district."

Ferry riders say while the plan may reduce traffic in Manhattan, it would push much of the congestion to outer boroughs.

"Not only think about Manhattan, think about the other boroughs as well, because they are the ones that are going to be suffering," said commuter Marcel Simervil.

Supporters of the plan maintain the fee would raise important funds for mass transit projects and would reduce gridlock while cutting carbon emissions. State lawmakers have until Monday to approve the plan.
Content © 2008 Friends of Stephen Harrison. All rights reserved.