NYC Congestion Plan Gets Forward Push

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) late last week signed legislation that could open the door to New York City’s plans for congestion pricing in Manhattan, the New York Times reported.

The bill creates a 17-member commission to consider different plans for reducing traffic congestion in the city, the Times said.

It includes consideration of the pricing scheme favored by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg that would charge trucks $21 and autos $8 during peak hours entering Manhattan’s business district, south of 86th Street, the paper reported.

The bill authorizes the city to apply for federal financing for the plan, but stops short of making congestion pricing a done deal, as it would require approval of the state Legislature, where opposition runs strong, the Times said.