Testimony of Jaqi Cohen, Director of Climate and Equity Policy, Feb 29, 2024

Good evening,

My name is Jaqi Cohen, and I am the Director of Climate and Equity Policy at the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. I’m here today to express our strong support for the implementation of congestion pricing, a policy that promises significant transportation and environmental benefits to commuters and residents across the tri-state region (this includes not only New Yorkers, but commuters from Connecticut and yes, even New Jersey).

Congestion pricing is a pivotal strategy in our collective effort to combat climate change.  New York’s Transportation sector produces a third of our state’s greenhouse gas emissions.  With less traffic on our roads and more direct investment in transit, we will see a significant reduction in carbon emissions, fostering a cleaner, healthier environment for all New Yorkers.

From increasing station accessibility to transitioning the largest bus fleet in the nation to a zero-emission fleet, the revenue earned from congestion pricing is vital in supporting projects that will make New York City more accessible, efficient, and sustainable. 

I urge the MTA to adopt swift implementation of congestion pricing and seize this opportunity to lead, innovate, and pave the way for a more livable New York.