Governor Paterson will support congestion traffic plan for New York City

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York Governor David Paterson now says he will support a congestion pricing plan for New York City.

The news came the same day Mayor Michael Bloomberg told lawmakers it is "now or never" to back his congestion pricing plan.

The controversial plan would charge drivers eight dollars to enter Manhattan below 60th Street between 6:00 a.m. And 6:00 p.m.

The city council will hold a hearing on Monday. If the plan does not pass by the end of the month, the city could lose millions of dollars in federal funding.

"Congestion Pricing addresses two urgent concerns of the residents of New York City and its suburbs," Governor Paterson said in a statement released just after 3:00 p.m. Friday. "The need to reduce congestion on our streets and roads, and thereby reduce pollution and global warming; and the need to raise significant revenue for mass transit improvements."

Soon after, a statement came from Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office. In it, the mayor says, "Today, Governor Paterson has demonstrated true leadership by submitting a congestion pricing bill to the Legislature that will meet all of the objectives we've set -- cutting traffic and reducing pollution to improve our economy and public health, and raising revenue to fund much needed projects included in the MTA Capital Plan. The bill is a giant step forward, and its timely passage will ensure that New York gets $354 million in federal money that we've been promised. Together, I'm certain we can pass a bill that will improve the lives of New Yorkers."

Re: Governor Paterson will support congestion traffic plan for New York City

this is a DISASTER for mass transit.

in case no one has done their research...THERE IS NO EFFING ROOM ON THE TRAINS during rush hour.

GOD FORBID we had to evacuate any given subway station...it's a safety and logistical NIGHTMARE.

If they would improve the transit system BEFORE implementing this...then MAYBE...

but we just can't handle it.

I am so SICK of men grinding on my asss or breathing heavily on my neck.

I am so SICK of getting hit by or hitting people with BIG OL' PURSES.

it's complete and total bullshyt...to make us deal with this AND raise fares AND not charge people on the bridges.

Re: Governor Paterson will support congestion traffic plan for New York City

I support the congestion plan 100%...there are too many people that have access to MT and don't take advantage of it.

Re: Governor Paterson will support congestion traffic plan for New York City

In addition, if this plan was not supported, wouldn't NYS have lost federal funding?

Re: Governor Paterson will support congestion traffic plan for New York City

Message edited 3/24/2008 11:08:18 AM.