Trucking Association of New York Slams Revived NYC Traffic Toll Plan

The Trucking Association of New York (TANY) has criticized the revived congestion pricing plan in New York City, arguing that it disproportionately targets trucking operators and could lead to supply chain disruptions and higher prices for consumers. The plan, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, aims to reduce traffic and pollution while funding public transit. However, TANY President Kendra Heims contends that the new toll structure will still burden the industry and increase costs for New Yorkers.

The reformulated plan lowers tolls by 40% from the original proposal, with daytime tolls for cars reduced to $9 and small trucks charged $14.40, while large trucks will be charged $21.60. The MTA has published a map of the area impacted by tolls, which includes Manhattan south of 60th Street. The plan also includes a 75% discounted overnight toll to encourage off-hours deliveries.

TANY argues that the new vision still fails to account for the critical role trucks play in New York's economy. Heims stated, "While political leadership is now saying the right things about bringing down the cost of living in the state, New Yorkers should not be fooled by the rhetoric: this new congestion pricing plan is still bad for the economy, will still cause supply chain disruptions, and will still raise the price of goods upon which households across the five boroughs and its surrounding suburbs rely."

The fundamental issue, according to Heims, remains the disproportionate pricing structure that unfairly targets trucking operators. This burdensome regulatory framework and cost imposition on the industry responsible for transporting 90% of goods in New York State could lead to increased operational costs and supply chain disruptions.

TANY has vowed to continue using every tool at its disposal to fight this plan and deliver relief for hardworking operators and the New Yorkers counting on their services. The association has previously filed a federal lawsuit to halt the toll plan and is committed to pursuing legal action to stop the implementation of the new toll structure.

The revived congestion pricing plan in New York City is set to begin in early January 2025, with the MTA Board expected to approve the plan at its next meeting on November 18. As the plan moves forward, the trucking industry and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how the new toll structure impacts the cost of goods and services in the city.