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Final day of public hearings on congestion pricing
FOX 5 NY's Michelle Ross reports.
MANHATTAN - Commuters have two final opportunities to speak their minds about NYC's controversial congestion pricing plan at two hearings on Monday.
More than 250 people registered to speak, voicing both opposition and support for the plan to use license-plate readers to turn all of Manhattan south of Central Park into one giant toll zone.
Most drivers in private cars would pay a congestion fee of at least $15, or $22.50 if they aren't enrolled in a regional toll collection program. That would come on top of the already hefty tolls to enter the city via some river crossings, like the $13.38 to $17.63 it costs to take a car through the Lincoln or Holland tunnels.
That price tag, it’s hoped, will lead to fewer traffic jams, reduce air pollution and provide a desperately needed annual cash infusion of around $1 billion for the city’s subway and bus systems, which carry some 4 million riders daily.
At Monday's hearings, many groups spoke and shared why this toll would hurt them financially – including taxi drivers.
They rallied outside before the hearing started and hoped they would be exempted from the toll.
Yellow taxis, green cabs and black cars will be charged $1.25 per trip into the central business district zone.
Last week’s hearings were contentious at points, with both supporters and opponents sharing their concerns.
On Friday, FDNY union leaders rallied outside MTA headquarters, demanding an exemption.
New York’s bravest sounded the alarm about the potential risks of taking mass transit with heavy gear, often contaminated with toxins.
RELATED: NYC firefighters say they will be unfairly penalized by congestion pricing
"Do you think it makes any sense for New York City firefighters to be forced to take the bus or the subway with gear that is off gassing toxic chemicals, exposing the public needlessly?" argued Andrew Ansbro, president of the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters’ Association.
Exemptions are already planned for emergency and specialized government vehicles and vehicles carrying disabled passengers.
The MTA said congestion pricing will improve the environment and will raise $15 billion to improve mass transit. New Jersey officials are also suing the MTA over the proposed tolling plan.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said he’s keeping an open mind, but the hearings are unlikely to prevent congestion pricing from becoming a reality in just a few months.
"I’m very encouraged by the discussion, it’s like, really informed a lot of New Yorkers coming to let us know how they’re feeling and specific concerns and issues," Lieber said.
The written public comment period runs until March 11.