The BUS4NYC Coalition, representing the interests of all bus and motorcoach companies entering New York City, testified during a virtual public hearing held by the New York City Transit Authority (MTA) about a plan to require vehicles to pay congestion tolling in the city’s central business district.
“BUS4NYC has presented to New York City and state transportation representatives that all buses are part of the solution to congestion, NOT part of the problem,” said Patrick Condren, representing the organization. “We also note that significant members of environmental justice communities utilize all bus services. Just one 55-passenger bus may displace 55 automobiles on a roadway.”
The state of New York is proposing daily fees in addition to bridge and tunnel tolls for all forms of vehicles entering the NYC central business district below 61st Street.
This area would include the theater and financial district.
Hearing testimony
Here is Condren’s full testimony:
“Good afternoon, I will be brief. My name is Patrick Condren, of BUS4NYC Coalition Inc., a group of regional privately owned bus operators founded in 2019, just before the pandemic.
BUS4NYC members provide the riding public with commuter, intercity, contract, charter, sightseeing, shuttle and tour travel services.
“BUS4NYC supports congestion mitigation efforts. BUS4NYC has presented to New York City and state transportation representatives that all buses are part of the solution to congestion, not part of the problem. Good examples in NYC are the use of dedicated bus lanes. Since 2020, Manhattan’s 14th Street Busway has been successful, “designed to prioritize moving the most people safely and reliably.” We also note that significant members of environmental justice communities utilize all bus services.
“Just one 55-passenger bus may displace 55 automobiles on a roadway. Buses are environmentally clean and the NYC riding public is served daily by public and privately owned buses and should maintain parity relevant to tolls, consistent with the intent of the FAST (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation) Act.
“Stockholm, London (and) Singapore treat all buses with parity and exempt all buses from congestion pricing tolls. The current MTA CBDTP (Central Business District Tolling Program) tolling scenarios include this option to provide exemptions for all buses, and we support this choice.
“BUS4NYC has also submitted statements and comments to the CBDTP, including street equity charts prepared by industry experts, demonstrating the efficiency and positive impacts of utilizing a bus.”
To see his testimony, click here.
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