In response to New York City’s new congestion pricing tolls, Williamsburg, Boro Park and Flatbush Chaveirim have announced initiatives to reimburse volunteers for tolls incurred while responding to calls within Manhattan’s congestion pricing zone.
The program allows volunteers to submit screenshots of their call details and toll charges via email, with reimbursements being processed monthly.
This initiative comes amid widespread frustration over the city’s refusal to exempt emergency responders and critical volunteers from congestion fees. New York’s congestion pricing plan, set to charge drivers up to $27 daily to enter Manhattan below 60th Street, has drawn sharp criticism for its potential to financially strain volunteers and essential workers.
Chaveirim coordinators highlighted the need to protect those who dedicate their time to community service, calling the refunds a small but significant step toward addressing the toll’s impact.
Emergency volunteer organizations, including Hatzolah and Chaveirim, have long argued that such fees unfairly penalize individuals providing lifesaving and essential services. Despite lobbying efforts, city officials have yet to grant exemptions for these groups.
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4 Responses
Looks like you get a little ribbis also. Nice refund rates
Any emergency services plan that relies are getting people from the outer boroughs (or New Jersey, or the suburbs) to Manhattan, in spite of the horrific semi-permanent traffic job in Manhattan (which is unlikely to be reduced by the new tax) IS LIKELY TO FAIL. For anything other than a 9-11 situation, the emergency in Manhattan needs to be addressed by those already in Manhattan.
If I am having a heart attack in Manhattan, I can’t wait from am ambulance to come from Brooklyn. If a woman in Manhattan is going into labor, it isn’t even certain the vehicle from Queens will get there in time for the Bris.
Whereas I appreciate all that the selfless volunteers of Chaveirim do for the tzibbur, they generally do not respond to life and death situations. As such, it is understandale that a Brooklyn based volunteer may respond in Manhattan. Also, congestion pricing also applies to those going from above 60th st to below 60th st.
why didnt SIMCHA felder when he voted for congestion pricing make an exception for chaveirim and hatzala, i know he did it to stop global warming but still