“NYC Advocates Rally for Accessibility as Congestion Pricing Pause Delays Essential Upgrades”
Transit advocates, angered by Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent decision to pause congestion pricing, held a “day of action” on Sunday to underscore the pressing need for accessibility projects that the program was set to fund.
Riders Alliance and Partner Organizations Rally for Accessibility
The Riders Alliance joined forces with the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY), and the Elevator Action Group to raise awareness about the impact of the congestion pricing pause. Activists canvassed commuters at 23 subway stations that would have benefited from the program. The paused funding was crucial for essential upgrades, including the installation of elevators at these stations.
“The disabled community has waited decades for elevator access to these 23 subway stations,” stated Sharon McLennon, executive director of CIDNY. “We were promised that congestion pricing would help cover some of these costs. Now that the funding is paused, we continue to wait for access. When will this waiting end?”
Impact of Congestion Pricing Pause on MTA Upgrades
Congestion pricing and the related bond financing were set to fund $15 billion in upgrades across the subway system, commuter railroads, and buses. The program would also have contributed to the Second Avenue subway extension into East Harlem. Hochul’s decision to pause the program just before its implementation pulled funding for numerous construction projects throughout the MTA system.
Danny Pearlstein, a spokesperson for Riders Alliance, explained that canvassers engaged with riders to discuss the direct consequences of the congestion pricing pause. “We wanted to ensure New Yorkers understand the impact, especially the fact that 23 stations planned for accessibility upgrades will now face delays,” he said. “While we lack the governor’s platform, we can connect directly with people and spread the word.”
Governor Hochul’s Commitment and Advocates’ Concerns
John Lindsey, a spokesperson for Governor Hochul, emphasized that the governor remains committed to finding alternative funding for the MTA Capital Plan despite the congestion pricing pause. “Governor Hochul has repeatedly stated her commitment to funding the MTA Capital Plan and is exploring other funding mechanisms while congestion pricing is on hold,” he said.
However, advocates argue that the delay is unacceptable. “Without the toll revenue from congestion pricing, $2 billion intended for accessibility upgrades has been removed from the current capital plan, creating uncertainty for future funding,” said Jessica Murray, an organizer with Rise and Resist Elevator Action Group.
Nicole Murray from the Democratic Socialists of America, who was stationed at the 168th A, C, and 1 station, noted that many commuters were unaware of the planned elevator installations and the subsequent delay. “I spoke to many people with strollers, luggage, wheelchairs, or bikes who struggled with the stairs. Most were quite upset to learn that their station’s elevator project is now deferred,” Murray said.
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