NYC Councilmember Rivera: ‘People [Are] Feeling Safer in the Streets’ Because of Congestion Pricing

EXCERPT:

RIVERA: “But with congestion pricing, you’ve actually seen the improvements very, very quickly. And as someone who lives in Downtown Manhattan, I take the bus, I take the train, I bike, I drive, it has been real just a blessing to see how this has really benefited, so many neighborhoods. I know that sometimes, when you’re doing something like this, comprehensive policy changes, it’s not the most popular thing, and $9 is a lot for families. But to know that those funds, that we’re already seeing fewer cars, better traffic conditions, a lot of the statistics and things that you’re hearing about that are actually related directly to public safety, people feeling safer in the streets, and, of course, the funds going directly to the MTA because our public transit system is the great equalizer. There are people on those trains and buses from all walks of life and we need them to get to our homes, our appointments and, of course, our jobs. So, I’m excited that there’s also less honking, of course, but that we’re seeing the improvements right away. And I will tell you, as someone who grew up in the Lower East Side, those funds that are coming from congestion relief are already coming into the community.”