Two New York City firefighter unions criticized the newly implemented $9 congestion toll plan, saying Sunday that it would likely hurt response times — which “could mean the difference between life and death.”
FDNY firefighters came out against the scheme on Sunday, just as drivers began being charged to enter Manhattan below 61st Street. The toll is $9 during peak hours — 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. – and $2.25 outside peak hours.
New York's Bravest newspaper warned that the new fees could delay emergency response time, as firefighters will no longer use their vehicles to quickly get around the city, and instead are forced to try to navigate crowded streets with fire trucks.
“Fire engines and fire engines will be delayed because the New York Defense Forces will have to use those vehicles to transport firefighters around the city because firefighters who will no longer be bringing their vehicles to the area will have no other way to get to a different job site with their vehicles,” said the Firefighters Association president. Uniformed Firefighter Andrew Ansbrough: “Equipment.”
Increased traffic congestion north of 60th Street will also likely slow response times, which “could mean the difference between life and death,” according to Ansbrough.
“This is not just a logistical issue — it is a public health crisis in the making,” he added.
Members of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) have also criticized the economic impact of congestion pricing on New Yorkers, with the change likely costing residents millions annually.
“Congestion pricing will burden residents with millions in additional costs annually. It is an unfair tax that does not take into account the critical needs of emergency services,” said UFOA President James Brossie.
The two unions are urging city officials to consider exemptions to the emergency services plan, warning that the current structure puts the lives of New Yorkers at risk.
“Congestion pricing should not come at the expense of public safety,” the two leaders said in a joint statement. “We urge city and state officials to address these critical concerns before implementing a policy that puts all New Yorkers at risk.”
