East River Tolls

The Problem:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is facing a significant budget shortfall.  In response, new tolls have been proposed for the East River and Harlem bridges. And once again, they want to raise fares while cutting service and delaying key projects. This proposal would place a disproportionate burden on working families, not to mention that new tolls would be inefficient - startup costs would drain $4 out every $10 collected. Bill Thompson opposes the new tolls, and he has opposed them every time the Bloomberg Administration has brought them up.

The Bill Thompson Solution:

As we build the New York of the future, we need smart and innovative solutions that protect New York City's families. Rate hikes and archaic across-the-board tolls are 20th century solutions to a 21st century problem. That’s why Bill Thompson thinks new tolls are a bad idea. 

Bill Thompson introduced his plan to deal with the looming MTA shortfall before the Commission on Metropolitan Transportation Authority Financing fell back on their devastating budget proposal: 

Together, these two measures could result in $1.8 billion in yearly transit revenue.
 
For the New York City driver, the cost of a weight-based fee is far less than the cost of new tolls over the course of a year.  For MTA customers, especially middle and low-income New Yorkers, this plan provides a helpful revenue alternative to increased transit fares. This cost-effective approach would also encourage residents to drive lighter and more fuel-efficient cars—reducing pollution and improving our quality of life.
 
The case for reinstating the commuter tax is clear.  Everyone who daily enjoys the benefits and opportunities of New York City must share responsibility in maintaining the world's most important municipal transportation infrastructure.