NYC Firefighters Push For Toll Exemption Over Response Time Concerns

Firefighter unions in New York City are calling on city leaders to exempt emergency responders from the newly implemented congestion toll, warning it could jeopardize public safety. The $9 toll applies to passenger vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours and is set to increase in the coming years.

Union officials argue that the policy forces firefighters to choose between paying high fees or risking delays by relying on public transit. This, they say, could lead to slower emergency responses and additional costs for taxpayers.

Andrew Ansbro, head of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, stated that firefighters use personal vehicles daily to transport equipment and cover staffing shortages. According to the unions, these situations occur around 200 times a day throughout the city.

Without an exemption, firefighters might have to carry heavy gear on public transit or depend on department vehicles, which unions say would cost millions annually in overtime and strain city resources. They also believe the toll could create traffic congestion in areas outside the zone, further complicating emergency response efforts.

The Uniformed Fire Officers Association also voiced concerns about the toll’s long-term impact on staffing. Union leaders warned that without changes, experienced firefighters could retire early or transfer, leading to a loss of institutional knowledge.

Mayor Eric Adams’ office has downplayed the unions’ concerns, insisting that public safety will remain unaffected by the toll’s implementation.

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