Cuomo pushes phase-in congestion pricing, eyes fees on ‘for hire’ vehicles

ALBANY — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo got behind a push to phase in congestion pricing Friday, advocating gradual implementation beginning with a surcharge on “for hire” drivers, such as Lyft and Uber, as well as taxis.

“I’m hoping to start with the first phase of for-hire vehicles and that’s what we’re speaking with the Assembly and Senate about,” Cuomo, a Democrat up for re-election, said in an NY1 interview. He told the TV station that he was “cautiously optimistic” about the plan’s chances of being included in the state budget and that he viewed it as “step one in an overall congestion pricing plan.”

Cuomo’s comments came after a meeting with leaders of the Senate and Assembly regarding the budget, which is due April 1, and signals that the proposal stands a good chance of being included in the financial plan.

A phased-in approach is part of a congestion pricing plan advocated by a Cuomo commission that studied Manhattan traffic problems. By focusing on “for hire” vehicles, Cuomo appears to be backing an approach approved by the Democrat-led Assembly earlier this month.

The plan also would have to win backing by the Republican-led State Senate in a statewide election year. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (R-East Northport) declined to comment Friday.

The Cuomo commission recommended not only fees for taxis and for-hire vehicles but also charging any vehicle traveling south of 60th Street. Under the “Fix NYC” plan, cars would pay $11.52 for such trips occurring between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., and trucks would pay $25. The money generated would go, primarily, to fix New York’s wobbly mass transit system.

The governor has voiced support for a fuller congestion pricing plan, as a way of reducing Manhattan gridlock and providing funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Beginning with taxis and other services would be a “good start on congestion pricing,” he said Friday.

The “first phase” plan Cuomo advocated Friday sounds in spirit like a proposal backed by the Democrat-led Assembly. Under it, a $1-per-ride charge would apply to services such as Lyft and Uber and to every jurisdiction outside of Manhattan. In Manhattan, the charge would be $1 north of 96th Street and $2.75 south. Taxi rides would see a 50-cent charge for rides south of 96th. The fee would apply to black cars and limousines in Manhattan, too. The Assembly estimated the fee would generate $500 million annually for the MTA.

Cuomo, however, didn’t outline specific charges Friday. He said he also wants New York City to contribute $400 million to an emergency-repairs package for the MTA, which the city has opposed.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) didn’t immediately comment. Assembly Democrats are set to hold a special conference Sunday night at the state Capitol, a move that indicates lawmakers could be moving closer to a budget deal.