STATEMENT

by Kathryn S. Wylde, President and CEO
PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW YORK CITY

New York, New York
April 7, 2008

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Statement From Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO of the Partnership for New York City on Congestion Pricing

“While disappointing, the Assembly’s decision does not mean the end of congestion pricing. As the city grows, traffic will be an increasing problem. Moreover, there is no attractive alternative for funding the necessary improvements in our mass transit system. It may not be today, but congestion pricing is the ultimate answer to both problems and that will become clear eventually, as it has in other world cities. Congestion pricing remains our best hope to alleviate the traffic congestion that paralyzes New York City and costs our economy $13 billion dollars and 50,000 lost jobs each year. This problem will only get worse as the City grows. 

“Despite the enthusiastic support of an unprecedented coalition of environmental, business, labor, public health, civic and community organizations, as well as the New York City Council, today we lost a shot at $354 million in federal money for the City’s public transit system. But congestion pricing can still be accomplished and produce new revenues desperately needed to improve and expand our mass transit system.

“The Partnership calls upon New York’s elected representatives in Albany and Washington, DC to work with Mayor Bloomberg and Speaker Quinn to pursue an improved congestion pricing plan. We can still be the first American city to solve gridlock, improve our environment, and create the mobility and efficiency to strengthen our economy as we grow.”

The Partnership for New York City (www.pfnyc.org) is a network of business leaders dedicated to enhancing the economy of the five boroughs of New York City and maintaining the city’s position as the center of world commerce, finance and innovation.