Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Wednesday’s Headlines: Traffic Mobility Review Board Edition

The panel tasked with coming up with congestion pricing toll recommendations for the MTA board to approve meets for the first time on Wednesday. Plus other news.

It’s TMRB time, baby. Photo: Josh Katz

It's finally time. The Traffic Mobility Review board — the panel tasked with coming up with congestion pricing toll recommendations for the MTA board to approve — meets for the first time on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

Streetsblog's Dave Colon previewed the meeting Monday with a review of the latest report from transportation Charles Komanoff, whose "Balanced Transportation Analyzer" helped shape the 2019 state law that created congestion pricing. Komanoff and environmental economist Gernot Wagner suggested the MTA implement a $15 peak-hour toll, which they argued would hit the "political sweet spot" to get an effective pricing program (finally) underway.

The TMRB consists of Chair Carl Weisbrod and five other members including one, Transport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen, who is the only appointee to the panel by Mayor Adams. Their mandate is narrow — state law requires the tolls raise $1 billion annually, and any exemptions or discounts add to the cost for everyone else.

In fact, each additional percentage point of vehicles not required to pay the toll takes $10 million from the program's revenue, according to Komanoff and Wagner. That hasn't stopped everyone and their mother from asking for exemptions ahead of Wednesday's meeting, but it's sure to weigh on the TMRB.

In other news:

  • On the agenda at today's MTA board meeting: fare hikes. (Daily News, Newsday)
  • Former MTA CEO Pat Foye claims he doesn't need a waiver to lobby on Penn Station-related issued because Amtrak, not the MTA, owns the rail hub. (NY Post)
  • ICYMI: "Make McGuinness Safer" proponents interview by Errol Louis Monday night. And the latest from Streetsblog's Kevin Duggan. (NY1)
  • The Astor Place Cube spins again! (NY1, Curbed, NY Times)
  • From NYPD: a 34-year-old motorcyclist died after colliding with a driver turning left off Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn on Monday. The deceased has not been identified.
  • Gothamist/WNYC uncovered a serial litterer in Greenpoint.
  • MTA and Amtrak are at over plans to bring Metro-North trains into Penn Station. (Newsday)
  • Anti-bus pol Oswald Feliz broke his silence Tuesday to pick a petty fight with Riders Alliance. (Oswald Feliz via Twitter)
  • Jerry Nadler will not stand for Amtrak cuts (and cited Streetsblog to make the point):

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Wednesday’s Headlines: Ostrich Parent Edition

Bradley Tusk and Randy Mastro team up to distract people from the much-harder effort of making streets safe. Plus other news.

August 13, 2025

As Mayor Adams Preps Veto of Minimum Wage Bill, Instacart Boasts ‘Squeezing’ Its Workers

Instacart's months-long campaign against pay parity for grocery delivery workers appears to have borne fruit with a mayor who claims he supports workers.

August 12, 2025

UPDATE: Speeding Senior Driver Kills Self and Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Pols Call for 20 MPH Limit

The Queens crash is another reminder that speed kills — and that the city has the power to lower its speed limit.

August 12, 2025

Vital ‘Lifeline’ or Blatant Ripoff? Instacart Makes Groceries 75% More Expensive

Instacart is arguing that its services are a lifeline to low income New Yorkers, but the app makes groceries 75 percent more expensive.

August 12, 2025

Could It Be? Red Hook Pool May Finally Open on Sunday

Residents of Red Hook have been sweltering all summer, but help may be on the way.

August 12, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Badge Idea Edition

President Trump took over policing in one of America's most important cities yesterday. Plus other news.

August 12, 2025
See all posts