NYTWA Statement on Congestion Pricing Surcharge Lawsuit

On Thursday, January 31, 2019 NYTWA Executive Director Bhairavi Desai (she/her) released the following statement on the Congestion Pricing lawsuit following judge's denial of the state's motion to dismiss the case, and lifting of the temporary restraining order: 

"We feel triumphant that the state's motion to dismiss was denied and it gives us hope that ultimately the state will do the right thing and spare drivers the poverty and crisis that would result from this congestion fee. The judge lifted the restraining order, putting the authority back into the governor's hands on whether to burden taxi drivers with the surcharge while the case continues.

"We're calling on the governor not to move forward with fees that will force drivers to choose between food and medicine. That is how dire the poverty is now among this workforce that has lost eight of our brothers to suicide in less than a year. 

"Implementing the surcharge while the lawsuit continues could put the the industry in the predicament of figuring out how to refund passengers, even those who paid with cash, should the drivers ultimately win the case.

"Given that Albany is already renegotiating a new congestion pricing plan, the surcharge on taxis and for-hire vehicles should be reconsidered within these broader proposals. That's why we're heading to Albany on February 5th."

Judge's interim order can be found here. 

Get Ready for Albany Action Day next Tuesday, February 5th!

Join the motorcade to Albany as we meet with State Senators and Assembly Members to permanently exempt yellow and green cabs from the Congestion Pricing fee! We will meet at the New Baltimore Service Area between Exit 21B and Exit 22 on the north bound NYS Thruway. Sign up to join by calling our office at 718-706-9892 or emailing us at media@nytwa.org! You can also click the button below to fill out a form to join!