Open Plans makes urgent call to begin congestion pricing following Trump victory

A statement from Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director at Open Plans:

“All signs point to a Trump presidency being disastrous for our climate, transportation, health, and safety. What we’ve seen of his policy agenda doubles down on car dominance at all costs – aiming to deregulate a predatory automobile industry, eliminate incentives for sustainable modes like electric vehicles, and fund highways over public transit and green infrastructure.

“Our City, State, and federal officials can act now to bolster commitments to livability and sustainability. Most crucially, Governor Hochul must begin congestion pricing immediately. Trump has stated that he will scrap the plan; implementing it now is our only chance to save this popular program that will alleviate gridlock, fund our transit system, and create tens of thousands of jobs across New York State. We cannot delay a single day.

“We also urge federal officials to act fast in disbursing funds to worthy green infrastructure and public transit projects that will likely be abandoned in the new administration in favor of new and expanded highways. Officials should greenlight as much of this investment as possible and work quickly to deliver funds to hiking trails, bike lanes, sidewalks, and public transportation before January.”