[Good evening, I’m joined tonight by Janno Lieber, Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, who has some strong words about the President’s recent threat to shut down the congestion toll in New York.
Chairman Lieber, thank you for joining us tonight.
Lieber: Thank you for having me.
Interviewer: The President yesterday tweeted that he’s considering shutting down the congestion toll in New York, saying it’s unfair to drivers. How do you respond to that?
Lieber: Well, I think the President is misinformed. The congestion toll is a vital tool to help reduce traffic congestion in Manhattan, which is one of the most congested cities in the world. It’s not a tax on drivers, it’s a fee for drivers who choose to drive in the most congested part of the city.
Interviewer: But isn’t the toll just going to drive people to other parts of the city to avoid it?
Lieber: Actually, our studies show that the toll has reduced traffic congestion by 12% in Manhattan, and it’s also helped to reduce emissions by 15%. So, it’s having a positive impact on the environment and on traffic flow.
Interviewer: But what about the drivers who can’t afford to pay the toll? Don’t they get punished by this system?
Lieber: That’s a great question. We actually have a program in place to help low-income drivers who are impacted by the toll. We offer a 75% discount to drivers who are eligible for Medicaid or SNAP benefits. And we’re also working with employers and non-profits to help drivers who are struggling to pay the toll.
Interviewer: Finally, what message do you have for the President and Congress?
Lieber: I would say that we’re grateful for the support we’ve received from the federal government in the past, and we hope that they will continue to recognize the importance of investing in our transportation infrastructure. The congestion toll is just one part of that, but it’s a critical part in reducing traffic congestion and improving the quality of life for New Yorkers.
Interviewer: Chairman Lieber, thank you for joining us tonight.
Lieber: Thank you.
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