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Assemblyman DInowitz's response to my email on congestion pricing (0.00 / 0)

Dear XXXXX:

Thank you for writing to me concerning Mayor Bloomberg's plan for
congestion pricing.  This is one of over 100 proposals in the Mayor's
Plan for 2030.  I met with the Mayor's representatives on his plan
earlier this year.  At that time I suggested the planting of a million
new trees.  I'm sure others did as well.  That's now part of his plan
and will help improve and green our city.

The intent of congestion pricing is one which I support, but before I
endorse the plan (which I believe the Legislature would have to approve)
I have some concerns that need to be addressed.  While I believe that
it's likely that congestion pricing would generate money for mass
transit, I think we need to see real and significant improvements up
front and not have to wait for years after congestion pricing would take
effect.

I'm not a regular commuter to Manhattan, but I do have to go to midtown
or downtown periodically.  If I were to take public transportation from
my residence on Henry Hudson Parkway to the City Hall area it would take
me around an hour and a half if I took the bus and the train.  If I took
the railroad it would almost as much time.  The express bus might even
take longer.  If I drove (not during rush hour) it would take about half
an hour -- that's an hour less time each way.  That's a significant
difference.

I certainly could not afford driving into Manhattan every day if it
meant paying for parking every day.  But public transportation from
Riverdale to downtown Manhattan isn't wonderful.  So, I am very much
open to supporting congestion pricing, but major improvements to mass
transit, especially for those who live in areas formerly referred to as
two-fare zones, must be part of the deal.

  Sincerely,

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

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by: Roatti @ Fri May 18, 2007 at 19:36:00 PM UTC