New Yorkers support congestion pricing 59%-38% if the money raised is used to improve mass transit, according to a Quinnipiac poll released last week. The results are virtually identical to those of a January poll (which MTR covered here).

The poll also found, however, that only 43% of New Yorkers think it is very or somewhat likely that pricing revenue will go to transit.

MTR can’t blame New Yorkers for being skeptical about any elected official’s stated intentions, even if congestion pricing has the support of environmental, business, labor, equity, and civic groups. It must be pointed out, however, that revenues from several tolls and taxes are already partially or entirely dedicated to transit funding.

For example, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (MTA Bridges and Tunnels) has since the late 1960s financed billions of dollars of mass transit expenses with revenue gained from vehicle tolls, according to a legislatively set formula. Portions of the mortgage recording tax, petroleum business tax, corporate franchise tax, and sales tax have also been dedicated to transit since the 1980s.

In other words, the State Legislature has the power and responsibility of creating a “transit lockbox,” and congestion pricing’s elected supporters have on multiple occasions insisted that congestion pricing legislation, when it is introduced, must and will include such a provision.

To help convey this message, Environmental Defense Fund launched an ad campaign last week which emphasizes that 100% of the net revenue from congestion pricing will go to public transit and that this extra funding will lead to better transit and a more livable city. This is in addition to the Empire State Transportation Alliance/Campaign for New York’s Future campaign already underway. Ads for the EDF campaign will appear on bus shelters (an example is shown above), subway cars, print media and radio.

For its part, the New York League of Conservation Voters is stepping up pressure on lawmakers. Later today the NYLCV will officially launch Climate Action PAC, a political action committee that will endorse, financially support, and campaign for candidates who are committed to aggressively fighting climate change — and campaign against candidates who are not, including opponents of congestion pricing. The PAC will concentrate its efforts on the 2008 New York State legislative elections and 2009 local elections.

Groups Take Message to Albany’s Doorstep

Campaign for New York’s Future members and volunteers took Albany by storm yesterday, meeting with over 55 state legislators in a demonstration of congestion pricing’s broad support. The day began with a rally on the Capitol steps.