Congestion Pricing

Michael O'Loughlin of the Campaign for New York's Future leads the congestion pricing rally on the capitol steps.

"Today is Monday. There is work to be done."

David Paterson held his first press conference as governor-in-waiting this afternoon, holding forth to a Red Room described by Elizabeth Benjamin of the Daily News as "more crowded than I have ever seen it in the almost 10 years I've been covering Albany."

A Quinnipiac Poll released today shows once again that New Yorkers are decidedly in favor of congestion pricing with revenues allocated for mass transit. The latest numbers indicate 59 percent approval vs. 38 percent opposed.

With all eyes on the governor's Fifth Avenue apartment, congestion pricing supporters are nevertheless soldiering on. The Empire State Transportation Alliance is one of several groups in Albany today, trying to get lawmakers' attention despite what has been described as a "surreal" atmosphere. [Insert "Yeah, and?" joke here.]

At our request, Gerson's office also sent over the council member's eight-page position paper on congestion pricing [PDF], in which he describes the Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission report as "deeply disturbing."

As most of you no doubt know by now:

Last week the New York Times conducted an informal survey of City Council member positions on congestion pricing. The poll found that 12 members are currently in favor, 20 are opposed, and 11 are undecided. Eight members did not respond.

Crain's Insider has the most detailed look yet at the odds that the City Council will pass a congestion pricing bill [PDF]. The good news is that pricing stands a decent chance of getting through committee, thanks in part to some maneuvering by Speaker Christine Quinn. As things progress, expect to hear more about uncommitted council members like Larry Seabrook (right), who may cast the deciding vote in committee. Via The Politicker, here's the scoop from Crain's: