JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PIX11) - Even at its new, lower price point, the MTA's proposed congestion pricing isn't sitting any better with many drivers.
"It's a hardship for a lot of people," said Edward Funches of Brooklyn.
The new proposed fees, which go into effect Jan. 5, would charge E-ZPass customers $9 at peak, dropping to $2.25 in off-peak hours.
Some drivers, however, can qualify for discounts. Drivers using the Lincoln or the Holland tunnels would get a $3 crossing credit. On top of these, the MTA is offering an exemption for drivers with disabilities, and a 50% discount to qualifying low-income drivers after their first 10 trips every month.
Funches has a disability and relies on a wheelchair when he's not driving. He said though he may be exempt, he thinks about those who are not. "For New Jersey residents and New York residents, it's hardship," said Funches, "especially trying to make ends meet."
On Wednesday, the MTA held the first of what will be several public webinars for congestion tolling relief. The first covered the Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP). To qualify, the MTA said the vehicle must be registered to someone with a disability that prevents them from using public transportation, or to that person's caregiver.
"I definitely encourage individuals to attend [the webinar] because if you're not at the table, you don't know what's going on," said Funches.
On Thursday at 2 p.m., the MTA is set to host its Low-Income Discount webinar.
Beverly Brown Ruggia is with New Jersey Citizen Action, a statewide nonprofit that advocates for low-income families. "It is an additional stress on their kitchen table budgets with which they're struggling to cover basic needs already," said Ruggia. "It's very important for everyone to get as much information as they can about what discounts may be available to them in the congestion pricing plan."
To view the MTA's webinar schedule and to sign up to participate in one, click here.