The MTA board is giving the thumbs up for the congestion pricing proposal for Manhattan. The yes vote at Wednesday's board meeting means now there will be a series of public hearings before the board takes a final vote on the matter expected next year.
Many MTA board members spoke in favor of the 15 dollar congestion toll to head south of 60th street including Neal Zuckerman who says it will raise billions of dollars.
"Congestion pricing is necessary for plugging the gap of the building, the repairing, the fixing we must do."
But Nassau County appointed Board Member David Mack is worried about the negative impact it could have on small businesses and people that need to drive into Manhattan.
"24 dollars to go in and see your son or daughter, or to go to see a show or to go to have dinner. I can not vote for it."
Some board members want exemptions for yellow taxis, an industry that has gotten hammered financially over the last few years. If congestion pricing is approved, it's expected to go into effect in the late spring. There could still be tweaks to the plan.