Firefighters cheer Hochul’s congestion plan halt — for safety’s sake

Gov. Hochul’s pause of congestion pricing was a welcome move for all New Yorkers — but it was crucial for our city’s Bravest, the members of the Fire Department of New York.

Every day, hundreds of firefighters start their shifts at one firehouse, only to be dispatched to another during their tour of duty.

Almost invariably, they must travel to their temporary assignments using their personal vehicles.

New York City’s congestion pricing plan would’ve put an unfair burden on FDNY firefighters, according to Uniformed Firefighters Association president Andrew Ansbro. Paul Martinka

This rapid and unpredictable mobilization is essential to address personnel shortages and ensure that every fire company is fully staffed.

Every New Yorker must be able to count on the FDNY to deliver life-saving services in any emergency.

For these on-the-move firefighters, their personal vehicles are not just a mode of transportation but an extension of the Fire Department itself.

Congestion pricing would have unfairly burdened these brave men and women, charging them a fee simply for doing their jobs. It’s an economic hardship they should never have to bear.

For a firefighter on the job, mass transit is not a viable option.

Our members carry 70 to 80 pounds of gear during every shift — essential equipment for their safety and effectiveness.

Forcing firefighters to carry this protective gear in the subway or on a bus is not only ludicrously impractical, it’s dangerous.

The physical strain alone would hinder firefighters’ ability to respond to crises swiftly and efficiently, putting lives at risk.

Imagine your apartment is on fire, with your family trapped inside.

Would you feel safe knowing some of the responding firefighters had just completed a two-mile hike with a 70-pound pack right before they pulled up to your building?

Aside from the immediate danger, firefighters’ gear is regularly contaminated with toxic materials and cancer-causing carcinogens from e-bike fires, chemical spills and more.

Forcing city firefighters onto public transportation would needlessly expose countless civilians of all ages to the same health risks that we face every day.

All New Yorkers — firefighters included — are already struggling with the high cost of living.

Adding another cost at this moment would be the tipping point, making it even harder to support a family, pay rent, or put food on the table.

And it’s not just firefighters who would have suffered: EMS workers, teachers, health-care professionals and other essential personnel would also feel the squeeze.

The governor’s decision to halt the program is a recognition of these realities and more.

It shows her willingness to engage and respond to the voices of those on the front lines.

Congestion pricing aims to reduce traffic and pollution — laudable goals we all support.

At the same time, all New Yorkers need to know that every effort is being made to improve public safety in the transit system — and that everyone is paying their fair share to use it.

It seems that every day another New Yorker is getting slashed on a platform, punched in the face or pushed onto the tracks.

The congestion-pricing plan made us feel like we were going to be taxed for the safety of using our own cars, not that we’d be paying for a better transit system — and New Yorkers don’t want to be treated like schmucks.

I am hopeful the governor’s pause will lead to a permanent reevaluation of congestion pricing.

The price tag is too high, and the plan is unlikely to achieve its goals without significant changes.

Moving forward, we should engage in a more deliberate approach that includes all those impacted — not just the loudest in the room.

Gov. Hochul acted on behalf of those who keep our city running. Her call reflects a deep understanding of the complexities involved and the resolve to make tough choices.

Let’s continue working together for solutions that support our essential workers, our economy, and our environment, ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for all New Yorkers.

Andrew Ansbro is president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association.