FDNY union leaders caution against congestion pricing after being denied an exemption: "Stay away from this path"

The FDNY union leaders are opposing the new congestion pricing in New York City, stating that it will harm the response times and put both residents and first responders at risk of fatal consequences.

During "FOX & Friends," Andrew Ansbro, President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, and Jim Brosi, President of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, discussed the unintended consequences of the new congestion pricing on the fire department.

"Lawrence Jones was told by Ansbro on Tuesday that they begged and pleaded, saying, "Don't go down this road," but there are only 270 firefighters working daily in the zone, and the estimated cost is $3,000 per day because they bring their vehicles into the zone and the city, and then use them when moving from firehouse to firehouse."

If there is a shortage in one location and a surplus in another, then twice a day, you have three to 400 firefighters going to a different firehouse or returning from that firehouse, and they used to have the ability to use 2000 of our cars at a moment's notice.

The new toll has caused many firefighters to leave their cars at home to avoid the high cost of driving into the city.

If firefighters are called to work outside their zone in the city, they will no longer have access to their personal cars, forcing them to coordinate with other firefighters or use public transportation while carrying their 85 pounds-worth of gear.

Officials assert that on any given day, approximately 200 incidents require firefighters to work outside their designated area due to staffing shortages.

""Members are waiting four, six, or eight hours after their 24-hour shift to get back from where they started, as they're fed up and don't want to do it," Ansbro said."

During peak hours, the congestion pricing, which began on January 5, charges $9 for cars, $4.50 for motorcycles, $14.40 for small trucks, and $21.60 for large trucks and tour buses.

Despite criticism, city officials maintain the toll, asserting that the revenue is necessary for the MTA to modernize New York City and contend that the tax will decrease emissions.

The new toll aims to motivate city dwellers to utilize mass transportation, such as the NYC subway system, but recent criminal incidents have intensified apprehensions among those compelled to utilize public transit.

Gov. Kathy Hochul stated on Monday that change is difficult, especially when things are going well for people. However, the majority of people who work in this area are the beneficiaries, and they are not taking to the streets to express their gratitude.

"Although I understand the frustration of drivers, the vast majority of people will benefit from this."

If the response times are delayed and there is unconventional traffic outside the congestion pricing zones, it could pose a danger to residents and firefighters, potentially costing millions if the department needs additional vehicles to fill the void.

"Brosi stated that it is challenging to comprehend how the reaction times would not be impacted because these units are functioning beyond their typical response area. We have observed firefighters remain on duty for additional two, four, six, or eight hours after a 24-hour shift in a location where they are already performing 6,000 runs annually. This is an enormous strain on the members and may result in more injuries."

Despite requesting an exemption from congestion pricing, Ansbro was unable to obtain it from the city.

"Our business is characterized by unpredictability and disarray," he stated. "You never know where you'll be or what you'll be doing next. You could be at a fire, anywhere, at any moment. Your day could take a sudden turn in any direction."

"If a member needs to be taken across town to the firehouse and a run comes in while they're there, it results in members sitting on rigs while everyone else is inside dealing with an EMS case. Additionally, a member who is waiting to go home is sitting outside saying, "I'm off duty. I have to sit here and wait," which increases overtime. This also causes a problem where firefighters are out of position, leading to a loss of track of who is where."

Some cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago, are considering implementing a congestion toll.