Parents With Strollers Rally For Congestion Pricing In Boerum Hill

BROOKLYN, NY — Dozens of parents and children gathered for a rally and stroller march at the Hoyt-Schermerhorn subway station in Boerum Hill on Saturday to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to support the immediate implementation of congestion pricing.

Hochul initially supported congestion pricing, which would charge drivers a fee to drive through high-traffic areas of Manhattan and use the funds for transportation infrastructure improvements.

But this summer, the governor changed her stance on the issue, and the city's congestion pricing plan was paused indefinitely.

Hoyt-Schermerhorn station was one of the 23 subway stations set to receive elevator improvements funded by congestion pricing, advocate group Transportation Alternatives said.

“Instead of uplifting parents and caregivers by funding accessible subway stations, Governor Hochul sided with wealthy special interests to cancel congestion pricing and put our city’s future at risk,” said Elizabeth Adams, interim co-executive director of Transportation Alternatives. “Elevators are crucial for parents, especially those with young children who need a stroller, in getting around New York City."

Transportation Alternatives, Riders Alliance, Kids Over Cars, Climate Families NYC, and UP-STAND organized the event.

“Too many parents and caregivers struggle to navigate the subway without elevators, including pregnant moms like me. The Governor can show that she cares about NYC families by restoring congestion pricing and ensuring every subway station gets an elevator," said Lauren Phillips, Kids Over Cars co-founder.