A new bill from Albany proposes exempting upstate farmers from a variety of tolls, including the contentious congestion pricing plan for Manhattan south of 60th Street. This legislation, by state Senate Republican Minority Leader Robert Ortt and Assemblyman Joe Angelino, aims to mitigate the financial strain on farmers transporting fresh produce into New York City.
Given the critical role these farmers play in supplying the city’s markets with fresh fruits and vegetables, the proposed toll exemptions are seen as a necessary step to alleviate the additional costs incurred from tolls and fuel expenses. The bill could be particularly beneficial in bolstering the presence of upstate produce in the city, which has been hindered by prohibitive transportation costs.
The backdrop of this proposal is the ongoing debate around New York City’s congestion pricing plan, which seeks to charge a significant toll for vehicles entering Midtown Manhattan. This plan, expected to raise $1 billion annually for public transit improvements, has faced opposition from various quarters, including New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and the United Federation of Teachers.
The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has also requested an exemption from the congestion pricing tolls, citing the burden of transporting heavy gear to assignments across the city. Additionally, Governor Andrew Cuomo, who originally signed off on the plan, recently suggested reevaluating the initiative amidst the post-pandemic landscape and rising crime rates.
The implementation of congestion tolling is poised to reshape New York City’s urban traffic environment, affecting every sphere of city commuting. The proposal seeking an exemption for farmers is the latest iteration of lawmakers attempting to balance the plan’s financial impact
