Title: New Yorkers Debated $15 Congestion Fee in Contentious Public Hearing

In a first-of-its-kind public hearing held by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New Yorkers voiced their opinions on the proposed $15 congestion fee to enter Manhattan's busiest areas. The hearing drew nearly 100 speakers from both sides of the issue, sparking fierce debates over the potential benefits and drawbacks of the toll.

Opponents of the congestion fee argued that it would disproportionately burden working-class drivers, particularly those residing in the outer boroughs or areas with limited public transportation options. They also highlighted the existing loss of millions of dollars annually due to fare evasion and outlined various other challenges faced by the transit agency.

On the other hand, proponents of the congestion pricing program emphasized that the additional funds would be allocated towards much-needed improvements, including reducing pollution in Midtown and enhancing emergency response times and street safety. Advocates contended that a majority of commuters already rely on public transportation to access Manhattan daily.

During the hearing, Linda Nicholas, a downtown Manhattan resident and business owner, expressed her concern over the fee, referring to it as a "$15 ransom." Nicholas, who carries equipment for her work, stated that the additional daily cost would place a substantial burden on individuals struggling to make ends meet. Another resident, Jane Riback, explained her reliance on driving to her job in Rockland County, as no viable public transportation option was available. She called the plan "horrifying."

One speaker, radiation oncologist Fumiko Chino, advocated for an exemption for her cancer patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Chino argued that individuals undergoing daily radiation therapy may be too ill to utilize public transportation, and the subway could pose harm to their weakened immune systems.

US Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, representing Staten Island, criticized the congestion pricing plan as a "slap in the face" to outer borough residents, who could face worsened air quality due to diverted traffic. She requested that Staten Island drivers be provided a credit due to their existing tolls on the Verrazzano Bridge. Malliotakis also emphasized the need for a safer subway system to encourage increased ridership.

Supporters of congestion pricing, such as Kara Gurl, planning and advocacy manager at the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, contended that those who own private vehicles should pay for the negative impact they impose on New Yorkers. Another resident, Barak Friedman, expressed concern over the excessive number of cars in his neighborhood and hoped that congestion pricing would alleviate pollution, as his daughter suffers from asthma.

The proposed congestion fee would apply to passenger car drivers during peak hours on weekdays and weekends. However, drivers on specified routes such as the FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and Battery Park underpass would be exempt unless they exit onto a street within the congestion zone. The MTA has also introduced an exemption for individuals with disabilities traveling to the Central Business District, provided they meet specific criteria.

MTA officials estimate that the congestion fee could generate approximately $1 billion yearly, which would be dedicated to various improvements for trains and buses. These improvements may include extending the Second Avenue Subway, implementing new computerized signals, and upgrading stations.

Although no official start date has been announced, an MTA lawyer hinted at a possible mid-June rollout, even as the agency faces legal challenges concerning congestion pricing. Following Thursday's public comment session, additional hearings will be held on Friday and Monday, with written feedback accepted until March 11.