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Council member Banks says congestion pricing unfairly burdens working families and small businesses
Summary
Council member Banks opposed the recently implemented congestion pricing and interborough toll plan at the Jan. 8 meeting, calling it an unfair tax on working- and middle-class New Yorkers and warning it could worsen congestion in outer-borough neighborhoods.
Council member Banks used the Jan. 8 charter meeting to criticize the city’s recently implemented congestion pricing and interborough toll plan, saying it imposes “another tax on a working and middle class New Yorker.”
Banks argued that the tolls disproportionately affect working-class residents, small businesses and commuters who depend on cars, particularly in outer-borough neighborhoods where public transit may not be a viable alternative. He said the plan risks worsening congestion in neighborhoods as drivers attempt to avoid tolls and could push more riders onto an already crowded subway system.
"This plan will also hurt small businesses and consumers," Banks said, adding that small businesses may pass additional costs onto customers. Banks said he will continue to oppose the plan and fight for what he described as a fairer approach to addressing congestion.
The Jan. 8 transcript records Banks’ remarks in opposition but does not show a council vote or formal motion tied to his comments.
