The Trucking Association of New York filed a federal lawsuit against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in an effort to block New York’s congestion fee for driving into Manhattan. The association argues that the higher fees unfairly target the trucking industry and will lead to increased costs for consumers. Truck operators do not have flexibility in their driving routes or schedules, which are set by the businesses they serve. This could result in price increases on goods, as the trucking industry moves nearly 90% of products in New York City.
The transit authority’s plan includes charges of $24 or $36 per trip for trucks, depending on their size, while most drivers in private passenger cars are expected to pay about $15. The trucking association is pushing for exemptions for the industry, limiting trucks to being tolled once a day, or tolling them at the same rate as passenger vehicles. Joe Fitzpatrick, founder of Lightning Express Delivery Service and a member of the trucking association’s board, stated that while delivery schedules will not change, the costs for New Yorkers will increase as a result.
The lawsuits against the congestion fee plan have been filed by various groups, including unionized public school teachers, politicians, and other New Yorkers. In New Jersey, similar legal challenges have been brought by Governor Phil Murphy, Mayor Mark Sokolich, and others. Many of the lawsuits argue that the tolling scheme was approved without proper scrutiny, and transit officials should conduct a more comprehensive environmental study before implementing the plan. Court judges in both New York and New Jersey have not yet ruled on the cases.
The congestion fee plan is set to launch on June 30, despite the legal challenges it faces. The trucking industry, along with other opponents of the tolling scheme, continues to push for changes to the plan in order to lessen the financial burden on both businesses and consumers. The outcome of the lawsuits will determine whether the congestion fee will proceed as planned, or if modifications will be made to address the concerns raised by various groups. The debate over the fairness and constitutionality of the tolling scheme will likely continue as the implementation date approaches.
