Congestion Pricing, Fourth Avenue, Sammy’s Law
We’ll cut right to it: The federal government approved congestion pricing on Friday, getting us one step closer to finally implementing the program. This is a really big deal.
Whether you walk, bike, take transit — or drive! — congestion pricing will benefit you.
🚲 Safer streets. One study estimated that the program will reduce pedestrian injuries 3 - 20% in Manhattan. In London, vehicle crashes dropped by 35% and fatal car crashes dropped by 27% in London’s congestion pricing zone, and areas outside the zone saw additional reductions in crashes.
💵 Billions for transit. Congestion pricing will fund improvements to our transit system across the region. From new elevators to electric buses to climate resiliency projects, the revenue raised from congestion pricing will benefit the entire region.
📉 Less gridlock. Fewer cars on the road means faster trips for buses, emergency vehicles, and people who have to drive. Traffic speeds in the congestion pricing zone could increase by 20%, and 7% outside of it.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
1️⃣ Congestion pricing will speed up your commute. Congestion pricing increased bus speeds after implementation in London, Milan, Singapore, and more. Soon, New Yorkers will benefit from fewer cars on the road — leading to faster buses and more reliable trips.
2️⃣ Join our Fix Fourth Avenue campaign in Brooklyn. Thank you for joining us for our ride and rally to Fix Fourth Avenue. Now, take action and send a message to your City Council members and DOT to give Brooklyn the protected bike lane it deserves.
3️⃣ In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:
Congestion pricing is moving ahead! Read more about the plan in Curbed.
A New Jersey legislator introduced legislation to stop the epidemic of illegal temporary license plates, according to Streetsblog.
New Yorkers need vibrant public spaces. Learn more about what the Open Streets program needs in Patch.
TWO THINGS TO DO
1️⃣ Join us for a rally for Sammy’s Law tomorrow. Lower speed limits save lives, and Sammy’s Law would allow New York City to set lower, safer speed limits. Join us tomorrow, Thursday, May 11, at City Hall Park at 9:30 a.m. as we demand passage of Sammy’s Law.
2️⃣ Sign up now for the TA Half Century this fall. Celebrate our 50th anniversary with a 50-mile bike ride through the city we call home. Get together with your friends to bike the boroughs, ride along iconic TA wins, and celebrate 50 years of advocacy. Sign up now.
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Tell your friends about the benefits of congestion pricing. Congestion pricing will raise billions for transit, lead to cleaner air, and reduce traffic crashes. Join us and tell your family and friends about congestion pricing’s many benefits. Click to send a tweet!
Thanks for reading!
Jacob and the TA team
P.S. At TA's 50th anniversary Streets for People Party, we are presenting the 2023 Streets for People Award to MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber and the MTA staff. We are thrilled to celebrate Chair Lieber and the agency's bright future as we advance congestion pricing in New York City. We hope you’ll be there with us on June 5 at Guastavino’s in Manhattan! Can't make it? Please consider making a gift this milestone year for TA!
