Truckers File Lawsuit Against NYC Congestion Pricing

The Trucking Association of New York has filed a lawsuit against impending New York City congestion pricing, which is set to take effect on June 30.

The association shared the following details in a series of tweets: “The Trucking Association of New York (TANY) today announced new litigation against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) over its soon-to-be-implemented congestion pricing framework in New York City.”

This statement was followed by, “The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York this morning, argues that the congestion pricing policy unfairly targets trucking and logistics companies, which are charged far higher rates than passenger vehicles.”

Its final tweet says, “TANY and its members are not fundamentally opposed to congestion pricing. TANY is fighting to overturn the current version of this plan and hopes to improve the plan to reduce its adverse impacts and introduce parity for the logistics industry.”

TANY and its members are not fundamentally opposed to congestion pricing. TANY is fighting to overturn the current version of this plan and hopes to improve the plan to reduce its adverse impacts and introduce parity for the logistics industry.https://t.co/3Hoks7wnF3

— Trucking Association of New York (@TruckingAssocNY) May 30, 2024

New York 1 reports that the Big Apple plans to use congestion pricing to unclog busy city streets. Revenue generated from this program will reportedly be put toward improving New York’s public transportation infrastructure.

Early in 2024, the MTA voted to approve a plan that imposes a $15 base fare for cars entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. Small trucks will be charged $24, and large trucks will pay $36. Both will get a 75% discount overnight.

The Manhattan congestion pricing zone includes all of Manhattan south of Central Park. This toll applies to all vehicles on the road in that area. Major highways, including FDR Drive, the West Side Highway, and the Battery Park underpass, are exempt areas of Manhattan.

According to The New York Post, the legal action from the truckers follows lawsuits regarding the practice filed by Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella and the United Federation of Teachers, lower Manhattan residents and small businesses, and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. All believe congestion pricing is unfair to those who commute into and across the city for work and other reasons.

The city’s congestion pricing plan aims to curb traffic jams, cut emissions, and create a more fluid urban landscape. It also encourages residents to use public transportation.