Manhattan Toll Could Delay FDNY Emergency Response

By Y.M. Lowy

FDNY unions warn that the city’s controversial new $9 congestion toll in Manhattan could cause dangerous delays in emergency response times.

The toll, which started Sunday, forces many firefighters to leave their cars at home to avoid paying the extra cost. Without their vehicles, firefighters may struggle to get to emergencies outside their regular zones, a situation that happens about 200 times a day. They would have to rely on limited department vehicles or carry their 85 pounds of equipment on crowded subways or buses, union leaders said.

“This isn’t just a logistical problem — it’s a public safety crisis in the making,” said Andrew Ansbro, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association.

Unions also fear more traffic above 60th Street, as drivers avoid the toll zone which could further slow emergency vehicles.

The $9 toll applies during peak hours, with a reduced fee of $2.25 off-peak. Unions are calling for city officials to rethink the policy, saying it puts lives at risk.