Source: Bronx Times-Reporter
Publication Date: Jan. 24, 2008

Traffic jams represent a serious problem for the Bronx, which gets more than its fair share of congestion and pollution from commuters originating in Westchester, Rockland and beyond. Fortunately, the Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission has proven it is interested in a solution that will benefit the Bronx and the entire tri-state area.

On January 10, the commission proposed five options for congestion pricing that would reduce traffic and generate more revenues for our underfunded transit system. Not only did the commission carefully evaluate Mayor Bloomberg's original plan, it offered four alternatives and incorporated many proposals suggested by the public during the course of seven hearings, including one at Hostos Community College in October. This interim report should put to rest any concerns that the commission is anything less than an independent, results-oriented body.

Each of the five plans has good aspects, and they would reduce road congestion anywhere between 8% and 35%. Only one, dubbed the Combination Plan, should be ruled out categorically, because it would disqualify New York from receiving $354 million in federal aid pledge by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Otherwise, the important thing isn't which plan the commission selects. The important thing is to do something about our traffic and transit dilemma before it gets worse.

Mass transit is truly the Bronx' lifeblood. The subways and buses are economical ways to get around, and they create vital links to education, healthcare resources and good-paying jobs. Taking mass transit also produces less pollution, which is vitally important for a borough that has high asthma hospitalization rates. But the trains and buses are overcrowded and run sporadically, the stations are poorly maintained and the timetable exists merely on paper.

Bronx residents deserve better and congestion pricing - in one form or another - is the best way to go.

Marcia Bystryn, Executive Director
New York League
of Conservation Voters, NYC