News

NEW YORK, NY June 14, 2007 —Truckers might seem like an unlikely group to support Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan. But yesterday, they did just that as Teamsters came out in support of the plan that seeks to charge drivers a fee to enter the city.

REPORTER: Truckers decided to support the plan after Mayor Bloomberg announced that he will reduce the fees for truckers who drive fuel-efficient rigs. Trucks that meet federal guidelines will have their fee cut from $21 to $7. Teamster's president for Joint Council 16, Gary LaBarbera, says they came to an agreement with the mayor because he understands they must stay on the roads.

LABARBERA: Truckers don't have a choice; all the goods and services that come into this city come in through trucks. And economic development is very important to the Teamsters, as it is to all of us in organized labor, as it creates jobs - good paying jobs.

REPORTER: Fleet owners would also receive a discount if they invest in upgrades that would reduce pollution in the vehicles they now use.