As New York Metropolis ushered in its long-awaited congestion pricing plan, the FDNY sounded the alarm over what it calls a looming public security disaster — one they warn may imply slower response instances, longer shifts and tens of millions of {dollars} in further prices.
The tolling program, the primary of its sort in the US, was launched simply after midnight on Sunday, and imposes a toll on drivers coming into Manhattan’s busiest areas, together with components of the Monetary District, Midtown, and Decrease Manhattan. The extra $9 payment has lengthy sparked controversy, however the metropolis’s firefighters are actually elevating pressing considerations about its influence on emergency providers.
“The department moves 200 firefighters a day to different firehouses,” stated Jim Brosi, president of the Uniformed Hearth Officers Affiliation. “Now, because of congestion pricing, we’ve got a situation where many firefighters don’t want to pay that toll. They’re opting for public transportation instead, and that’s creating an entirely new set of problems.”
In line with Brosi, a variety of New York’s bravest use their private autos to drive to firehouses in want of further personnel, however the newly imposed toll is making that financially unfeasible for a lot of, forcing the division to depend on a fleet of simply 15 vans to move firefighters. These autos, sometimes reserved for different duties — like selecting up gear or visiting injured members — will now be stretched skinny to shuttle firefighters between stations.
Theodore Parisienne / New York Day by day Information
Automobiles are tolled coming into Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge on the primary day of congestion pricing on Sunday. (Theodore Parisienne / New York Day by day Information)
The bottleneck may imply firefighters ready for reduction are compelled to remain longer at their posts, leading to a further $1.8 million in estimated extra time pay, in response to Brosi. The union head additionally burdened the potential for delays in getting manpower to stations the place they’re most wanted.
“We’re not talking about a theoretical problem here,” stated Brosi. “In a city like New York, with its unique and often complex buildings, you need experienced firefighters. Losing that institutional knowledge, because people are being delayed, is a huge issue. If we can’t get our guys in place on time, it could mean lives lost.”
The FDNY’s considerations are compounded by the necessity for firefighters to return to their authentic firehouses on the finish of the day to safe gear, change, and decontaminate — including extra pressure to an already strained system.
Theodore Parisienne / New York Day by day Information
James Brosi (left), President of the Uniformed Hearth Officers Affiliation and Andrew Ansbro, President of the Uniformed Firefighters Affiliation maintain a press convention on congestion pricing on Sunday. (Theodore Parisienne / New York Day by day Information)
The FDNY’s request for an exemption for these working contained in the toll zone was denied. Brosi stressted they weren’t asking for a department-wide exemption, only a carve-out for the firefighters who’re most affected.
“We didn’t ask for an exemption for all firefighters,” stated Brosi. “We asked for an exemption for the 10% of our members who work in the business district. Just a little help to keep them driving to work. If we had that, we’d still have access to their vehicles for transfers, and we wouldn’t be losing vital manpower.”
“We didn’t ask for the world,” the exasperated union head added. “But we were told no.”
Brosi worries the elevated prices and logistical complications may result in personnel points down the road, as seasoned members of the division may switch out or retire early as their toll payments explode.
“We’re already struggling with recruitment and retention,” he stated. “If we lose our veterans, we lose years of experience. And that makes the whole city less safe.”
“We understand the concerns of the FDNY, but the ultimate goal of this program is to make traffic flow more smoothly, not just for commuters, but for emergency vehicles too,” Lieber stated. “The idea is to reduce delays and allow fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars to get to where they need to go faster.”
Barry Williams/ New York Day by day Information
A congestion pricing warning signal on Columbus Ave. and W. 61st St. in Manhattan. (Barry Williams/ New York Day by day Information)
The brand new toll is predicted to climb over time and can enhance to $12 by 2028, after which $15 by 2031 — all aimed toward funding upgrades and enhancements to the town’s mass transit system.
The MTA’s promise of a smoother subway system and fewer congestion has finished little to reassure Brosi and his colleagues, who argue the town’s long-term imaginative and prescient could have rapid and critical penalties for emergency providers.
“The MTA keeps talking about long-term benefits, but in the short term, we’re the ones who are going to pay the price. And it’s the public who will suffer,” Brosi stated. “We’ve been asking for help, but no one’s listening.”
