Firefighter unions in New York City are urging officials to reconsider the impact of the congestion toll on emergency response times. The toll, which charges $9 during peak hours, applies to drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Rates are expected to increase in the coming years.
Union leaders warn that the policy could force firefighters to rely on public transit, delaying responses to emergencies. Firefighters often use personal vehicles to transport heavy equipment or fill staffing shortages, activities that occur hundreds of times daily across the city.
Andrew Ansbro @UFAPresident, President of the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association: Congestion pricing hurting the operations of the FDNY | 01-06-25https://t.co/EpWCezqchw
— TalkRadio 77 WABC (@77WABCradio) January 7, 2025
Andrew Ansbro, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, criticized the toll as a burden on first responders. He explained that personal vehicles are crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, especially when transporting 85-pound equipment or shuttling between firehouses.
The congestion pricing is punitive to the avg worker-firefighters, leo's, tradesmen,workers of all stripes who work in the city & now have to shoulder the $4k+ bill to now get to the job-not to mention firefighters are going to what-schlep 85lbs of equip in on an unsafe subway?
— Jbp (@AllegiantJbp1) January 7, 2025
The unions also raised concerns about the financial implications of the policy. They estimate it could lead to $1.8 million annually in additional overtime costs if firefighters are forced to rely on department resources.
FDNY firefighters unions say congestion toll will hurt response times https://t.co/hSEiKnnhEA
— Ron (@RonDeLord) January 5, 2025
Traffic congestion outside the toll zone is another issue flagged by union leaders. They believe drivers avoiding the toll could clog alternative routes, further complicating emergency responses.
Map shows congestion pricing will cost up to $27 to drive into Manhattan: Firefighters, teachers and businesses can’t afford it. https://t.co/yOiou0ftAv
— Doug Bell (@therealdougbell) January 7, 2025
Mayor Eric Adams’ office responded to the unions’ claims, stating that public safety remains a priority and that no disruptions to emergency services are expected.
