New York City firefighter unions are sounding the alarm over the city’s new congestion toll policy, warning it could cause serious delays in emergency response times. The Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) and the Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) are asking city officials for exemptions to prevent these disruptions.
The toll, which started Sunday, charges $9 for passenger vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. Off-peak rates drop to $2.25, but fees will rise to $12 by 2028 and $15 by 2031. Firefighter unions argue this cost could discourage members from driving, impacting their ability to respond to emergencies efficiently.
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 UFA, highlighted the logistical challenges firefighters face under the current policy. “All we were asking for was an exemption for our members bringing their vehicles into the zone,” he said, explaining that personal vehicles are often used to move equipment or cover staffing shortages.
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
Firefighters often transport their 85-pound equipment between firehouses to fill gaps where personnel are needed most. The unions estimate this occurs about 200 times each day across the city, and relying on public transit could result in delays with potentially life-threatening consequences.
FDNY firefighters unions say congestion toll will hurt response times https://t.co/hSEiKnnhEA
— Ron (@RonDeLord) January 5, 2025
Additionally, unions warn that relying on department vehicles could strain resources, leading to millions in taxpayer costs. They predict an extra $1.8 million in overtime pay might be needed annually if firefighters cannot use personal vehicles for work-related duties.
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
The congestion toll policy has also raised concerns about traffic buildup outside the toll zone. Union leaders believe drivers avoiding fees could clog alternative routes, further complicating response times for emergency personnel.
Mayor Eric Adams’ office, responding to the unions’ concerns, stated that public safety remains a priority and that no negative impact on emergency response times is expected.
