Thursday, January 10, 2008 |
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Taxi Prices May Rise With Congestion Pricing By JARED IRMAS Special to the Sun January 10, 2008 Hailing a cab in the city's proposed congestion zone could add a dollar to the fare if a state commission's recommendation is sent to Albany and the City Council for approval. The Congestion Mitigation Commission is set to recommend today four scenarios for the implementation of the mayor's congestion pricing plan, which would charge drivers about $8 to enter and drive in most of Manhattan during peak hours. One scenario would charge taxi passengers $1 for trips that originate below 60th Street. "Taxis relieve stress on the subway and bus system,"Michael Wolos, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Taxi Board of Trade, an industry trade group representing a quarter of the city's medallion fleets, said. "It should be recognized that people using taxicabs are using city streets efficiently. They shouldn't be punished for it." A spokesman for Mayor Bloomberg, John Gallagher, wrote in an e-mail message last night that the commission "has done a thorough job of evaluating options and has put forth proposals that should be considered on the merits. It's important that the proposal ultimately recommended by the Commission meets the combined objectives of reducing congestion and providing funds for much needed mass transit improvements." Other scenarios include scrapping congestion pricing in favor of tolls on the East and Harlem River bridges, and restricting vehicular travel based on the last digit of a car's license plate number. Several transit advocates declined to comment last night. The Empire State Transit Alliance, a consortium of civic, environmental, and commuter groups, will release its own recommendations once the commission presents their report today. The commission will send its final recommendation to the mayor's office on January 31. Any plan must be approved by the state Legislature, the governor, and the City Council. |
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