Firefighter unions in New York City are urging the state to exempt on-duty vehicles from the newly implemented congestion pricing tolls.
According to local media reports, the unions have repeatedly requested exemptions without success.
The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) stated that approximately 2,000 firefighters are active at any given time, with most bringing their personal vehicles to work.
The unions argue that paying congestion tolls could negatively affect emergency response times and increase operational costs.
They emphasize that their vehicles are essential for transporting firefighters between firehouses and to emergency sites.
Union representatives have expressed concerns that the congestion pricing could hinder the department’s ability to respond swiftly to emergencies.
They highlight that delays caused by tolls may compromise public safety.
Additionally, the increased costs associated with toll payments could strain the department’s budget.
Andrew Ansbro, President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, stated: “All we were asking for was an exemption for our members bringing their vehicles into the zone.
“Those vehicles are regularly used to transport firefighters to and from their detail to another firehouse, which is a shortage in one spot, and they need them somewhere else. We were denied at every turn.”
The unions also pointed out that firefighters often use their personal vehicles to transport approximately 85 pounds of equipment.
They warned that the department might need to purchase additional vehicles to accommodate these needs, potentially costing taxpayers millions of dollars.
This financial burden extends to both the firefighters and the residents of New York City.
Ansbro further commented: “We have been putting ourselves out there for the city of New York and for the FDNY.
“And now a lot of our members have asked us, how do we get our money back for this unfair tax burden that’s been placed on not only them, but every resident of New York City.”
When contacted for a response, the FDNY directed inquiries to city hall.
The Mayor’s office responded with a statement: “Ensuring public safety is a top priority for the Adams administration.
We do not expect any negative impacts to the department’s ability to respond to emergencies.”
Firefighter unions in New York City have formally requested exemptions from the city’s new congestion pricing tolls for on-duty vehicles.
The FDNY reported that around 2,000 firefighters are active simultaneously, with most using personal vehicles for work-related transportation.
Unions argue that tolls could delay emergency responses, increase operational costs, and require the purchase of additional vehicles, potentially costing taxpayers millions.
Andrew Ansbro, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, highlighted the ongoing denial of exemption requests and the financial strain on both firefighters and residents.
The Mayor’s office responded by emphasizing the administration’s commitment to public safety and stated that no negative impacts on emergency response are expected.
