South Bronx group says the area has had to bear the burden of congestion pricing success
News 12 The Bronx
By: Heather Fordham
The MTA is boasting success in the first month of congestion pricing.
The controversial tolling plan went into effect on Jan. 5.
South Bronx Unite, a group that works to improve social, environmental and the economic future of Mott Haven and Port Morris, says the South Bronx has had the bear the burden of the success.
"We notice heavy traffic in the afternoons, not so much in the morning, but in the afternoon, it's been really stagnant, we've actually heard there is actually a 9% increase in traffic in the afternoon on the highways that incircle us, so we're concerned" said Mychal Johnson, the founder of South Bronx Unite.
Johnson has been a strong advocate against the tolling plan citing environmental impacts on neighborhoods in the South Bronx, including the contribution of air pollution and the impacts to air quality.The toll charges drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, with a goal to improve traffic speeds and raise a billion dollars annually for the MTA.
“We have an MTA funding issue; I don’t think the south Bronx should bear the burden for funding the MTA who's trying to make the city accessible." said a community member during the groups monthly meeting.
