Crash Count for Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 2,088
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 986
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 232
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 22
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 9
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Sep 15, 2025
Carnage in Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island
Killed 9
+2
Crush Injuries 6
Head 2
Hip/upper leg 2
Face 1
Whole body 1
Severe Bleeding 9
Head 7
+2
Face 2
Severe Lacerations 5
Head 4
Lower leg/foot 1
Concussion 10
Head 3
Back 2
Lower leg/foot 2
Face 1
Lower arm/hand 1
Neck 1
Shoulder/upper arm 1
Whiplash 39
Neck 20
+15
Whole body 7
+2
Head 6
+1
Back 5
Shoulder/upper arm 3
Chest 1
Face 1
Lower leg/foot 1
Contusion/Bruise 54
Lower leg/foot 16
+11
Lower arm/hand 9
+4
Hip/upper leg 7
+2
Head 5
Shoulder/upper arm 5
Whole body 5
Back 4
Neck 3
Face 2
Chest 1
Abrasion 23
Lower leg/foot 10
+5
Head 6
+1
Face 4
Lower arm/hand 2
Hip/upper leg 1
Pain/Nausea 14
Lower leg/foot 4
Neck 3
Head 2
Lower arm/hand 2
Shoulder/upper arm 2
Chest 1
Hip/upper leg 1
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Sep 15, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island?

Preventable Speeding in Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island School Zones

(since 2022)
Before Dawn on York and 72nd

Before Dawn on York and 72nd

Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island: Jan 1, 2022 - Sep 4, 2025

Just before 5 AM on Aug 30, 2025, at York Ave and E 72 St, a taxi struck a pedestrian. He died. NYC Open Data

This is the same crash where police say the driver left the scene and later arrested a 71-year-old man; the victim was identified as 36-year-old James Mossetty. amNY | NY Daily News

The toll on these blocks is not new. Since Jan 1, 2022, at least 8 people have been killed and 781 injured in crashes across the Upper East Side–Lenox Hill–Roosevelt Island area. NYC Open Data

This year alone, 4 people have been killed, up from zero at this point last year. Crashes are up 38.2%, injuries up 28.7%, and serious injuries up 50.0% year-to-date. NYC Open Data

FDR Drive leads the harm with repeated deaths. So do 2nd Avenue and 1st Avenue with dozens of injuries. NYC Open Data

Hurt people have names. A 71-year-old woman was killed crossing with the signal at E 68 St and York Ave. Driver inattention. Right turn. NYC Open Data

A 66-year-old man was killed in the crosswalk at E 77 St and 1st Ave. Left turn. Failure to yield listed. NYC Open Data

Pedestrians are hit most by SUVs and taxis here; distraction and failure to yield recur in the records. Pre-dawn and late afternoon are when deaths spike. NYC Open Data

Hylan at Bay is not our corner. FDR and York are. The pattern is the same: turning drivers hitting people in crosswalks; straight-ahead drivers striking people mid-block. These are design and speed problems you can see. NYC Open Data

Daylighting at every corner. Hardened turns on 1st, 2nd, and York. Night focus on FDR access points. These are the basics.

So is opening the Queensboro Bridge path the city already built. Lawmakers told City Hall in April: “The reasons given for this delay are not satisfactory… Any further delays… will unnecessarily put at risk the thousands of New Yorkers who cycle and walk the current shared path every day.” Streetsblog NYC

Slow the cars, stop the repeats

Albany moved one lever. The Senate bill S4045 would force repeat violators to use speed limiters; Sen. Liz Krueger co-sponsored it and voted yes in committee. Open States

In the Assembly, Rebecca Seawright backed similar speed-limiter legislation, co-sponsoring A7979. The aim is simple: make chronic speeders slow down. Open States

The city has another lever. Sammy’s Law lets NYC lower speed limits. Use it. A 20 MPH default and targeted enforcement would matter most where people keep getting hit. See how to press City Hall and the Council here.

What’s next, right here

  • Daylight and harden turns at 1st, 2nd, York; add LPIs at known crash corners. NYC Open Data
  • Open the Queensboro Bridge walkway now to relieve the packed shared lane. Streetsblog NYC
  • Pass and enforce speed limiter laws for repeat offenders. S4045

The man on York and 72nd did not make it home. The next one shouldn’t be decided by the turn of a wheel. Act now: /take_action/.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at York Ave and E 72 St on Aug 30, 2025?
Just before dawn, a taxi struck a pedestrian at York Ave and E 72 St. The pedestrian died. These details come from NYC Open Data’s crash record for that time and place.
How bad is traffic violence in this area right now?
From Jan 1, 2022 to Sept 4, 2025, there were 1,651 reported crashes, 781 injuries, and 8 deaths in the Upper East Side–Lenox Hill–Roosevelt Island area. Year‑to‑date, crashes and injuries are up sharply over last year, and 4 people have been killed.
Where are the worst spots?
FDR Drive shows repeated deaths. 2nd Avenue and 1st Avenue show high injury counts. These patterns are drawn from NYC Open Data’s top locations within this neighborhood.
What are the common crash factors here?
The records frequently list driver inattention/distraction and failure to yield in pedestrian crashes, including fatal right‑ and left‑turn collisions at York Ave/E 68 St and 1st Ave/E 77 St.
How were these numbers calculated?
We used NYC Open Data’s Motor Vehicle Collisions datasets (Crashes h9gi-nx95, Persons f55k-p6yu, Vehicles bm4k-52h4), filtered to the Upper East Side–Lenox Hill–Roosevelt Island area for 2022‑01‑01 through 2025‑09‑04. We counted crashes, injuries, deaths, and compared year‑to‑date totals to last year. You can reproduce our pull here.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright

District 76

Council Member Julie Menin

District 5

State Senator Liz Krueger

District 28

Other Geographies

Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island sits in Manhattan, Precinct 19, District 5, AD 76, SD 28, Manhattan CB8.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island

9
Motorcycle and Sedan Collide on FDR Drive

Jul 9 - A motorcycle changing lanes struck a sedan traveling straight on FDR Drive. Both motorcycle occupants were ejected and injured, suffering abrasions, whiplash, and head trauma. Driver inattention and improper lane usage led to the violent crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on FDR Drive at 15:30 when a motorcycle was changing lanes and collided with a sedan traveling straight ahead. The motorcycle driver, a 20-year-old male, was ejected and sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was wearing a helmet but was cited for driver inattention, distraction, and inexperience. The motorcycle passenger, a 23-year-old female, also wearing a helmet, was ejected and suffered head injuries and whiplash. The sedan driver, unlicensed and traveling south, was impacted on the left rear bumper and left rear quarter panel. Contributing factors include improper passing or lane usage and following too closely. The crash highlights driver errors such as inattention, distraction, and improper lane changes as the primary causes.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739366 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
5
Bus and Taxi Collide on Slippery Manhattan Avenue

Jul 5 - A bus changing lanes struck a taxi merging northbound on 3 Avenue, Manhattan. Both drivers and a passenger suffered neck injuries from whiplash. The crash was worsened by slippery pavement and failure to yield right-of-way, according to the police report.

According to the police report, the collision occurred on 3 Avenue near East 74 Street in Manhattan at 7:34 pm. A bus traveling northbound was changing lanes when it impacted the right side doors of a northbound taxi that was merging. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The bus driver, taxi driver, and a right rear passenger in the bus sustained neck injuries consistent with whiplash. Both drivers were licensed, with the bus driver holding a New Jersey license and the taxi driver a New York license. The passenger was not ejected and did not use safety equipment. The collision caused damage to the bus's right front bumper and the taxi's right side doors. The police report highlights driver errors and hazardous road conditions as central to the crash.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740234 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
5
Pedicab Struck by Turning Vehicle on 3 Avenue

Jul 5 - A pedicab driver suffered arm injuries when a vehicle making a right turn struck the pedicab’s left side. The crash at 6:45 AM on 3 Avenue in Manhattan exposed driver distraction and inexperience as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, at 6:45 AM on 3 Avenue near East 60 Street in Manhattan, a pedicab traveling west was hit on its left side doors by a vehicle making a right turn northwest. The pedicab driver, a 24-year-old male bicyclist, was injured with contusions and bruises to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors, highlighting the turning vehicle’s failure to maintain attention. The pedicab driver was wearing a helmet, but no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. Vehicle damage was noted on the right front bumper of the turning vehicle and the left side doors of the pedicab. This crash underscores the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers making turns in busy Manhattan streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738816 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
3
Sedan Runs Red, Cyclist Flung and Bleeding

Jul 3 - A sedan blasted through the light at 2nd Avenue and East 74th. The bike hit hard. The cyclist flew, head split, blood pooling. He lay semiconscious on the pavement. The car sat untouched. The night air thick with sirens and shock.

According to the police report, a sedan disregarded a traffic control at the corner of 2nd Avenue and East 74th Street. The report states the sedan 'ran the light.' A cyclist, traveling south, struck the car's side and was ejected, landing hard and suffering a severe head injury with heavy bleeding. The cyclist was described as semiconscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The sedan sustained no damage, while the bike impacted the right side doors. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but the report cites driver errors—specifically, ignoring the traffic signal and inattention—as the primary causes. No mention is made of any actions by the cyclist contributing to the crash.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737814 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
2
Krueger Supports New Fee If It Raises Billions

Jul 2 - State senators debate cutting the $15 congestion toll. Brad Hoylman-Sigal backs a lower fee if safety and transit gains hold. Liz Krueger wants $1 billion for the MTA. Jabari Brisport slams the rushed process. Trump vows to kill the tolls.

On July 2, 2024, state lawmakers, including Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47), discussed reducing the $15 base congestion pricing fee. The debate, reported by Gothamist, centers on whether a lower toll could unfreeze the program while still funding the MTA. Hoylman-Sigal said, "Nobody's wedded to $15. We are wedded to the improvements that congestion pricing will provide for mass transit or safety on our streets for cleaner air." Sen. Liz Krueger is open to a new fee if it raises $1 billion yearly. Sen. Jabari Brisport criticized the lack of study and feedback in the process, calling it "irresponsible." Any change needs legislative, MTA, and federal approval. Trump has promised to end congestion pricing if elected. No formal safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.


2
Krueger Supports Tweaking Congestion Pricing To Maintain Goals

Jul 2 - Albany stalls. The MTA faces a $15 billion hole. Lawmakers argue over reviving congestion pricing with a lower toll. Transit hangs in the balance. Streets stay clogged. Riders and walkers wait for answers. No fix. No funding. Danger lingers.

On July 2, 2024, state lawmakers, including Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47), debated the future of congestion pricing and MTA funding. The matter, reported as 'MTA in dark over Gov. Hochul’s talks to revive congestion pricing with lower tolls,' highlights confusion and division. Hoylman-Sigal supports lowering the toll, saying, 'The goal should be mend it don’t end it.' He urges keeping the program alive to save mass transit. Sen. Liz Krueger is open to tweaks if goals are met. Assemblyman Gary Pretlow opposes any revival. The MTA faces a $15 billion shortfall after the program’s pause. Policy experts warn that lowering the toll could weaken congestion relief and transit funding. No clear plan exists. Vulnerable road users remain at risk as gridlock and uncertainty persist.


1
Sedan Slams Box Truck on East 61

Jul 1 - A sedan rear-ended a box truck on East 61 Street. The sedan driver suffered leg injuries. Police cite a defective accelerator. No pedestrians or cyclists involved. Machine failure turned routine traffic deadly.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on East 61 Street struck the rear of a box truck moving in the same direction. The sedan's driver, a 39-year-old man, suffered contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and restrained at the time. The report lists a defective accelerator as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The box truck driver was licensed and uninjured. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. This crash shows the danger when vehicle malfunctions strike in city traffic.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738815 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
1
Sedan Crashes Front-First in Manhattan Injury

Jul 1 - A 24-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries and semiconsciousness after a front-end collision in Manhattan. The sedan was traveling east when the crash occurred. The driver was not ejected but reported pain and nausea following impact.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male driver in a 2010 Chevrolet sedan was traveling eastbound near East 62 Street in Manhattan at 3:32 a.m. The vehicle sustained center front end damage, indicating a frontal collision. The driver was injured, suffering neck trauma and was semiconscious after the crash, with complaints of pain and nausea. The report lists the driver's contributing factors as unspecified, with no other vehicles or pedestrians involved. The driver was licensed in New York and was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The crash narrative does not specify other contributing factors or victim behaviors, focusing on the driver's condition and vehicle damage.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737222 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
30
Pick-up Truck Hits Bicyclist on East 61st Street

Jun 30 - A pick-up truck struck a bicyclist traveling north on East 61st Street in Manhattan. The cyclist was ejected and suffered serious lower leg injuries. Police cited the truck driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 16:45 on East 61st Street near 1 Avenue in Manhattan involving a pick-up truck traveling west and a bicyclist traveling north. The bicyclist, a 41-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly states the contributing factor as the truck driver's failure to yield right-of-way. The impact occurred on the left side doors of the bike, indicating the truck struck the cyclist from the side. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash and was using some form of safety equipment classified as 'Other.' This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in yielding to vulnerable road users.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737067 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
17
Sedan Strikes Elderly Pedestrian Crossing With Signal

Jun 17 - An 83-year-old woman suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan failed to yield while making a right turn on 1 Avenue. The impact caused shock and pain, highlighting driver errors at a busy Manhattan intersection.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 1 Avenue struck an 83-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with East 60 Street around 9:40 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and improper turning as contributing factors. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center back end, damaging the sedan's right rear quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, experienced shock, and complained of pain or nausea. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but the failure to yield and improper turn caused the crash. No pedestrian fault or helmet use was noted as contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734192 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
11
Cargo Van Backs Into Pedestrian on East 65 Street

Jun 11 - A cargo van backing unsafely struck a 41-year-old woman crossing East 65 Street. The driver’s inattention caused the collision. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock, complaining of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, at 9:22 a.m. on East 65 Street, a Ford cargo van traveling south was parked and then backed unsafely. The driver, a licensed male from New York, failed to notice a 41-year-old female pedestrian crossing without a signal or crosswalk. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factors. The pedestrian was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot area, was not ejected, and experienced shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The vehicle sustained no damage. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver errors during vehicle backing maneuvers in pedestrian areas.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4732170 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
7
S 9752 Krueger votes yes to create school speed zones, improving child safety.

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.


7
S 9752 Krueger votes yes to create school speed zones, improving child safety.

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.


7
S 8607 Seawright votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.


7
A 7652 Seawright votes yes on Schenectady school speed cameras, boosting child pedestrian safety.

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.


6
SUV Strikes Bicyclist on East 72 Street

Jun 6 - A bicyclist was injured after an SUV struck him on East 72 Street in Manhattan. The rider was partially ejected and suffered chest injuries. Limited visibility contributed to the crash, underscoring dangers posed by obstructed views in busy city streets.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:19 PM on East 72 Street near 2 Avenue in Manhattan. A 35-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained chest injuries classified as severity level 3. The bicyclist was conscious and injured internally. The collision involved a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling east and the bicyclist traveling south. The point of impact was the left side doors of the SUV and the center front end of the bike. The report identifies 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor for both parties, indicating that limited visibility played a critical role in the crash. The SUV driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The bicyclist was not using any safety equipment. The police report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on the systemic danger of obstructed views leading to this collision.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4730556 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
6
Krueger Condemns Delay as Harmful to Traffic Safety

Jun 6 - Governor Hochul pulled the plug on congestion pricing just weeks before rollout. The move leaves the MTA’s future in limbo. Board members and city officials push back. Billions for transit hang in the balance. No clear plan replaces lost funds.

On June 6, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul revoked her support for congestion pricing, a policy set to start June 30. The delay, announced without legislative action, sparked backlash. MTA Board member Midori Valdivia vowed, 'I'm going to vote yes to congestion pricing, and that it should start as soon as possible.' Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi echoed, 'It needs to happen now.' Senator Liz Krueger called Hochul's move 'a staggering error.' Assembly Member Robert Carroll and business leader Kathy Wylde criticized the governor’s floated payroll tax hike as unfair to city businesses. The MTA faces a $15 billion shortfall, with no replacement funding in sight. The delay keeps streets clogged and transit underfunded, risking more danger for those outside cars.


6
Krueger Criticizes Lack of Alternative Funding for Transit

Jun 6 - Governor Hochul froze Manhattan’s congestion pricing. The $15 billion for subways, buses, and rail hangs in limbo. Riders face broken elevators, old signals, and crowded trains. Streets stay clogged. No plan B. Vulnerable New Yorkers lose safe, reliable transit.

""She is not aware of what she is referring to or where she believes that money will come from."" -- Liz Krueger

On June 6, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul halted New York’s congestion pricing program, which was set to start June 30. The plan, designed to charge most drivers $15 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street, would have funded $15 billion in MTA capital improvements. The bill’s summary warns: 'No plan B for transit investments should congestion pricing not go through.' Senator Liz Krueger, mentioned in the debate, criticized the lack of alternative funding, saying, 'She is not aware of what she is referring to or where she believes that money will come from.' The delay leaves critical projects—like subway accessibility, new signals, and electric buses—unfunded. Without this money, vulnerable riders face more delays, breakdowns, and unsafe conditions. The City Council and transit advocates express deep disappointment and concern for New York’s future.


6
Krueger Opposes Payroll Mobility Tax Increase on Workers

Jun 6 - Governor Hochul halted congestion pricing. Lawmakers balked at raising payroll taxes. The MTA’s $15 billion plan now hangs by a thread. Projects stall. Federal funds at risk. Riders, walkers, and cyclists face uncertainty. Albany remains split. Streets stay dangerous.

On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul announced a pause on congestion pricing, sparking confusion in Albany. The state-level response included a rejected proposal to raise the payroll mobility tax (PMT) on NYC businesses to fill the $15 billion gap in the MTA’s capital plan. State Sen. Liz Krueger said, 'Payroll mobility taxes are actually taxes on workers... I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate.' Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, who once voted for congestion pricing, now supports the pause, calling the original vote 'political blackmail.' The MTA’s future projects, including the Second Avenue Subway, are threatened, as federal matching funds require local dollars. Lawmakers remain divided. No clear alternative has emerged. Vulnerable road users are left exposed as transit funding falters.


6
Krueger Slams Reckless Congestion Pricing Delay Safety Harm

Jun 6 - Governor Hochul yanked support for congestion pricing weeks before launch. Senator Liz Krueger called it reckless. The move leaves a $15 billion hole in MTA funding. No clear replacement plan. Riders and streets hang in the balance. Gridlock wins.

On June 6, 2024, Senator Liz Krueger (District 28) condemned Governor Hochul’s last-minute reversal on congestion pricing. The policy, approved by the MTA Board and set for June 30, now faces indefinite delay. Krueger called the decision 'a staggering error' that creates a financial crisis for the MTA. The matter at hand: 'Gov. Hochul revoked her support for congestion pricing less than a month before it was supposed to start.' Assembly Member Robert Carroll also criticized the governor, rejecting her proposal to hike the payroll mobility tax on city businesses. The MTA’s capital plan now faces a $15 billion shortfall, with no replacement funding in sight. The delay leaves vulnerable road users exposed, as congestion pricing aimed to cut traffic and fund safer transit. The council’s response is clear: the city needs congestion pricing, now.