Truckers suing to block New York’s congestion fee for Manhattan drivers
NEW YORK — Add truck drivers to the list of opponents who want to block New York’s congestion charge for entering Manhattan.
The Trucking Association of New York filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which developed the toll scheme, arguing that the higher fees unfairly and unconstitutionally target the trucking industry. The trucking association’s lawsuit is one of at least eight attempts to block the congestion pricing plan, which is expected to start June 30.
Under the transit authority’s plan, trucks would have to pay a surcharge of $24 or $36 per trip, depending on their size. In contrast, most drivers in private passenger cars should expect to pay about $15, with lower rates for motorcycles and late entry into the city, under the proposal finalized in March.
Kendra Hems, president of the trucking association, said the industry will have no choice but to absorb the higher costs because truck drivers have no flexibility in their driving routes or schedules, which are typically determined by the companies they serve.
That, she said, will only lead to price increases for countless goods, since the trucking industry moves nearly 90% of New York City’s products.
“As any responsible company does, we deliver when our customers ask us to deliver, and that’s during prime business hours,” said Joe Fitzpatrick, founder of Lightning Express Delivery Service and member of the trucking association’s board of directors. “That won’t change now, but what will change is the higher costs for New Yorkers as a result.”
The association is proposing that the transport authority revise its plan to exempt the sector from the charge, limit trucks to tolls only once a day, or charge the same tolls as for passenger vehicles.
A spokesperson for the MTA declined to comment on the lawsuit Thursday.
A federal court judge in Manhattan heard arguments earlier this month in lawsuits brought by public school teachers, politicians and other unionized New Yorkers.
In New Jersey, a federal court judge also heard arguments in legal challenges brought by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich and others.
Many of these lawsuits allege that the toll scheme was approved without proper investigation by federal transportation officials and that the court should order transit officials to conduct a more extensive environmental study before rolling out the plan.
Both judges have not yet ruled on the cases.
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