As New York Metropolis ushered in its long-awaited congestion pricing plan, the FDNY sounded the alarm over what it calls a looming public security disaster — one they warn might imply slower response instances, longer shifts and tens of millions of {dollars} in further prices.
The tolling program, the primary of its form in the US, was launched simply after midnight on Sunday, and imposes a toll on drivers coming into Manhattan’s busiest areas, together with elements of the Monetary District, Midtown, and Decrease Manhattan. The extra $9 payment has lengthy sparked controversy, however the metropolis’s firefighters at the moment are elevating pressing issues about its influence on emergency companies.
In response to Jim Brosi, president of the Uniformed Fireplace Officers Affiliation, various New York’s bravest use their private autos to drive to firehouses in want of further personnel — however the newly imposed toll is making that financially unfeasible for a lot of, forcing the division to depend on a fleet of simply 15 vans to move firefighters. These autos, usually reserved for different duties — like selecting up gear or visiting injured members — will now be stretched skinny so as to shuttle firefighters between stations, he argued.
Theodore Parisienne / New York Each day Information
Automobiles are tolled coming into Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge on the primary day of congestion pricing on Sunday. (Theodore Parisienne / New York Each day Information)
The bottleneck might end in an extra $1.8 million in estimated time beyond regulation pay, in accordance with Brosi. The union head additionally burdened the opportunity of delays in getting manpower to stations the place they’re most wanted.
The FDNY’s issues are compounded by the necessity for firefighters to return to their authentic firehouses on the finish of the day to safe gear, change, and decontaminate — including extra pressure to an already strained system.
Theodore Parisienne / New York Each day Information
James Brosi (left), President of the Uniformed Fireplace Officers Affiliation and Andrew Ansbro, President of the Uniformed Firefighters Affiliation maintain a press convention on congestion pricing on Sunday. (Theodore Parisienne / New York Each day Information)
The FDNY’s request for an exemption for these working contained in the toll zone was denied. Brosi stressted they weren’t asking for a department-wide exemption, only a carve-out for the firefighters who’re most affected.
“We didn’t ask for an entire fire department exemption,” stated Brosi. “We didn’t ask for an entire civil service exemption. We asked very specifically for the people who are working in here, so they don’t retire, so that they don’t transfer out, so we don’t lose institutional knowledge.”
Brosi worries the elevated prices and logistical complications might result in personnel points down the road, as seasoned members of the division might switch out or retire early as their toll payments explode.
“[Manhattan is] a very difficult place to work,” he stated. “The buildings are unique. Every last one of them. The institutional knowledge required to understand the complexity of the buildings and how to properly fight fires [in the zone] is difficult.”
Barry Williams/ New York Each day Information
A congestion pricing warning signal on Columbus Ave. and W. 61st St. in Manhattan. (Barry Williams/ New York Each day Information)
The brand new toll is predicted to climb over time and can enhance to $12 by 2028, after which $15 by 2031 — all geared toward funding upgrades and enhancements to town’s mass transit system.
The MTA’s promise of a smoother subway system and fewer congestion has performed little to reassure Brosi and his colleagues, who argue town’s long-term imaginative and prescient could have quick and severe penalties for emergency companies.
“We’ve had frequent discussions with the MTA, and we were denied,” the exasperated union head stated. “We had made requests through the mayor’s office, and we were denied. And we tried to explain to them the very unique situation.”
Initially Revealed: January 5, 2025 at 7:09 PM EST
