EXCLUSIVE: State Sen. Julia Salazar Pushes MTA to Exempt Chesed Volunteers from Congestion Pricing

YS GOLD

The newly-instituted congestion pricing for those driving into certain areas of Manhattan is having the unintended effect adding yet another cost to doing chesed—namely charging our chesed volunteers for entering Manhattan with patients and their caregivers.

Three weeks ago, State Senator Julia Salazar sent a lengthy letter to MTA Commissioner Janno Lieber asking for the MTA to broaden existing exemptions to include chessed volunteers.

“When congestion pricing was enacted by the legislature, two important promises were made that were key its passage,” the letter begins. Among those exemptions are individuals with disabilities, and those who travel to Manhattan for care.

“However, now that the congestion pricing plan is about to become a reality, a community organization that should be exempt from the congestion fee on the basis that its sole mission is to provide transport to both the disabled and the sick is on the verge of being forced to suspend many, if not all, of its services due to the prohibitive cost of the upcoming tolls that its volunteers simply cannot afford,” the letter continues. (See full text below).

It is hoped that the MTA will be understanding in granting this exception so the chessed in our community to those who need it most will continue uninterrupted.