Refusing to bend to criticism from the parking lot industry, Transportation Commissioner Iris Weinshall told the New York Times that the Manhattan carpool rule will stay in effect until May.Commissioner Weinshall stressed that the rule is necessary at least until the Brooklyn Battery tunnel is fully reopened, at which point the agency may decide to support a permanent carpool rule.

If NYC DOT determines that the carpool rule is benefiting New York City by reducing congestion and improving quality of life by other measures, the Commissioner said, the agency may advocate for a long-term rule.DOT is waiting to review a study of the carpool rule's effects, which should be completed within a few weeks (MTR #351).

Transportation policy groups have already made a strong case that the carpool rule benefits truckers, delivery-dependent businesses, bus and taxi passengers, and those who carpooled before September (MTR #345).A permanent carpool rule, which requires approval of the State Legislature, could bring New Yorkers reduced congestion, better air quality and fewer traffic problems within NYC.

Manhattan Carpool Rule Still Working for NYC (Feb. 4, 2002)

Parking Industry Takes Aim at Carpool Rule (Dec. 10, 2001)

Driver, Trucking and Transit Groups Support Manhattan Carpools 
(Oct. 1, 2001)

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