Weprin, who is a candidate for New York City comptroller, referred to congestion pricing and placing tolls on the currently free bridges into Manhattan as a “bad policy to inflict toll increases on the public in these economic times and Staten Islanders.”
Weprin proposed in a news release, “Instead of a toll increase, the toll on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge for Staten Island residents and small businesses should be eliminated during off peak hours. Commercial traffic traveling through the borough should be given reduced tolls during non-rush hour time periods to reduce congestion.”
He said that eliminating some of the toll booths can in fact speed up traffic. To illustrate, Weprin, who is also the chairman of the Council Finance Committee cited the removal of toll booths on the Brooklyn bound approach to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
“To some that may not seem like a big deal, but I’ve driven here so many times myself. I know that it will speed up traffic, be safer and reduce the back up on the expressway. Hopefully the removal of the booths is imminent.”
To speed things up even more, Weprin said that he supports the improvement of Staten Island’s expressways by the New York State Department of Transportation, the North Shore rail project and the construction of additional bus garages to increase express bus service.
“Studies have shown that Staten Islanders have the worst commute in the nation and they need relief,” Weprin said, “The island is also a critical transportation link for the city and the region. Transportation solutions that work will improve the quality of life for Staten Islanders, provide for a cleaner environment, and contribute to economic recovery and growth.”
