In the “Financial Plan for the City of New York, 2002-2006,” NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s first stab at creating a budget for the city, the mayor outlined how he intends to close the looming budget deficit.In a table entitled Out-Year Gap Closing Plan, he lists “Congestion Pricing and E-ZPass Initiatives” as one mechanism that would close the gap.The plan estimates that by 2004, such measures would generate $100 million; by 2005, $500 million; and by 2006, $800 million.

To generate that money for the city, the Mayor would need to put tolls with a congestion relief pricing element on the now-free East River crossings (Manhattan, Williamsburg, Brooklyn and 59th Street bridges), which would require state legislation.Governor Pataki ok’d Port Authority implementation of congestion pricing when it hiked tolls across the Hudson River last year, and his I-287 task force recommended it for the Tappan Zee Bridge in 2000.And both he and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver have their eyes on very expensive construction projects, including Second Avenue Subway and LIRR-Grand central Station.

Agencies across the river and the world have learned that public acceptance of congestion relief pricing, (which translates into political acceptance) entails getting something in return: faster trips for motorists, improved transit in under-served areas and more revenue for bringing the streets, bridges and infrastructure into a state of good repair.The Mayor’s proposed congestion pricing could be a win-win situation as long as the revenues are dedicated to transportation.

Mayor Bloomberg's Budget Proposal

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