The conclusion of the second Transit Mobility Review Board meeting still leaves a long path ahead to determining how the Central Business District Tolling Program will affect the region, and motorcycles are still not included in their public conversation.
Hot topics in the meeting held on August 17th covered possibilities of on and off peak pricing schemes, how to prevent the unfair exploitation of for hire vehicle drivers, and what to do about poorly served low-income residents who need daily commute access from the surrounding region. Considerations were made to charge the largest commercial vehicles up to 4X the standard toll, but no mention of vehicles on the opposite end of the spectrum. Nothing for vehicles who on average take up the least space, create the least emissions, have the lowest impact on infrastructure and can provide some of the best mobility over the widest radius from the city center: motorcycles and registered scooters. In fact, absolutely no mention of this vehicle class had even been grazed in the conversation of pricing or post-tolling accessibility for low-income workers or those in off-peak shifts, a group of people for who even midtown can become a public transit desert at the hours in which the ability to commute reliably becomes the most significant.
Thank you to those who had the ability to come out and help show a presence for a class of vehicle and group of people who are largely excluded from this discussion. Small but mighty this time, a growing diverse and unified presence is key to drawing attention to our cause. We can provide a congestion pricing alternative for those which bicycles and public transit cannot sufficiently support. We are here to empower you you as a member of this community to fight for the fair tolling (or exemption!) of motorcyclists and their congestion reducing solutions. This is not just for New York City, but the tri-state area and beyond. Cities around the United States and the world are watching how we handle this landmark program to set a precedent for the future.
If you were unable to attend, we genuinely hope to see you at the next one, and bring a friend. Please email if you have additional interest or want to know what you can do as a motorcyclist and an individual to bring this neglected commuting group into the spotlight.
There also was a City Council meeting that same morning. Videos of both meetings are available below.
As you may know, the MTA’s plan still calls for our lightweight, congestion reducing vehicles to pay the same toll as cars and commercial vans. This is profoundly unfair, and it conflicts with the traditional practice of providing substantial discounts for two-wheeled vehicles. At this time our most effective move will be getting letters of support from our elected representatives for a 50% discount for motorcyclists. PLEASE ask your Councilmember or other elected rep to write a letter to the TMRB and share our website.