With a federal grant of $354 million for congestion pricing secured, plans are already under way how to spend the money to be raised by the toll, if approved. Among them, the MTA is considering diverting New Haven Metro North service through the underused northeastern Bronx Amtrak line and to build three stations: Co-op City, Parkchester and possibly Hunts Point.

The Amtrak right-of-way, which currently has two tracks, has space for two more and is the best and most inexpensive route for a Bronx extension of the Second Avenue subway. Co-op City and the municipal hospital complex would have direct subway service which provides a one-seat ride to far more places than does Metro North. Moreover, the subway is more affordable and would serve far more people than Metro North which caters to a wealthier class. All that is necessary is to build a dedicated rail bridge from Manhattan and to lay the tracks.

Most people agree that the MTA is detached from needs of the riding public and it’s the people of the Bronx who should decide how potential revenues from congestion pricing should be spent. As I noted in an earlier letter, Bronx elected officials must call a Bronx mass transit task force to study and debate all transit options so that any windfall will be spent on a project(s) that will serve the needs of the greatest number of people.

John Rozankowski