Experts Believe They've Found a Legal Loophole for Congestion Pricing

Mayor Michael Bloomberg fought hard to implement so-called congestion pricing, only to see a bill fail to even get to the floor in Albany. 

But now, experts with the transit advocacy group Move NY believe they've found a legal loophole that allows the city to implement tolls on East River Bridges — without state approval.

"The City of New York absolutely has the authority to toll its own roads and bridges. It's just a matter of political will," said Alex Mattheissen, campaign director of Move NY. "These laws have been in place and the city has had this authority for a long time, but it's a question of whether the City Council and mayor of New York want to exercise that authority."

Mayor de Blasio has said congestion pricing is "not part of my vision."

"This subject has been reviewed closely over the years. Legal experts across multiple administrations have determined the City does not have this authority,"  Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Gastel, said. "The City will testify at tomorrow’s hearing on its efforts to address congestion across multiple fronts."

At a City Council hearing Monday, members will hear arguments on ways to reduce congestion in the city. Mattheissen will argue that the city should impose a $2.75 toll to enter Manhattan's central business district, which he says could generate up to $1 billion a year that the city could use for repairing roads, improving bus service, and offering half-priced MetroCards to low-income New Yorkers.