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Big news out of City Hall:

Shortly before 7:30 p.m., the New York City Council approved a measure urging state lawmakers to vote in favor of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's congestion pricing proposal.

The congestion pricing plan, as approved by a 17-member state commission that voted at the end of January, would charge drivers with an E-ZPass $8 a day to enter Manhattan below 60th Street on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those drivers would also receive a credit for bridge or tunnel tolls they paid on the same day. Drivers without an E-ZPass would pay $9 and would not receive credit for tolls.

The plan is similar to one proposed by Mayor Bloomberg last April -- but that plan would have established a northern boundary at 86th Street and included a $4 charge for car trips within the congestion zone.

The mayor has noted that the city will qualify for $354 million in federal grants for mass transit improvements if congestion pricing is approved.

This is great news, said Michael O'Loughlin, Director of the Campaign for New York's Future, a coalition of groups that support congestion pricing:

Less traffic, better transit, cleaner air, good jobs - millions of New Yorkers who share these goals can feel proud that the City Council listened to the facts and today voted ‘yes’ for congestion pricing to put New York on track to this better, healthier, more livable future. After almost a year of research, debate, public dialogue and fine-tuning, New Yorkers are eager to move forward to our future of less traffic, better transit and cleaner air. Now, we look forward to working with our leaders in Albany to take the next step this week and ensure New Yorkers receive the benefit of $354 million in federal money to improve our bus and subway system right away.

Onward and upward to Albany to convince the state legislature to pass this very important bill to bring NYC into the 21st century, along with London, Stockholm, and Singapore.

Also, read the special report from the Environmental Defense Fund that details all the benefits. It's pretty amazing!

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