Petition Story:
New Yorkers are no strangers to hard work. We hustle, we grind, and we make it happen. But lately, it feels like we’re being punished for simply living and trying to get by. EZPass, a system that was supposed to make tolls easier and cheaper, has become a nightmare of hidden fees, outrageous penalties, and poor management. And now, the congestion pricing plan is set to pile on even more costs.

How much more are we supposed to take?

EZPass is Out of Control
EZPass was sold to us as a simple, cost-effective way to pay tolls. But if you’ve ever missed a payment or received a surprise bill, you know the truth. A $5 toll can balloon into hundreds of dollars in penalties before you even know there’s a problem. In fact, a report by the New York Times (source: NYT EZPass penalties article) found that thousands of drivers have been hit with excessive fines because of minor issues like outdated credit card info.

For many, fighting these charges feels impossible. Customer service is a joke, and the appeals process is so convoluted that most people just pay up to avoid further stress.

Congestion Pricing is the Last Straw
Now, the city plans to introduce congestion pricing—a toll on vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street. This might sound good on paper, but let’s be real: for many of us, driving isn’t optional.

Parents need to drop kids off at school. Delivery workers and small business owners rely on their vehicles to earn a living. Public transportation isn’t always accessible, reliable, or safe. And let’s not forget those late-night shifts and odd hours that leave no other option but to drive.

According to Streetsblog NYC (source: Streetsblog), these tolls could range from $9 to $23 per trip. For the average working New Yorker, this is devastating. It’s not a congestion solution—it’s another tax on people who can’t afford it.

Who Does This System Actually Help?
It’s not us, that’s for sure. Wealthier commuters might grumble about the cost, but they can afford it. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left choosing between paying these tolls or putting food on the table.

A study by the Community Service Society (source: CSSNY Congestion Pricing Impact Report) found that low- and moderate-income drivers will be disproportionately affected. These policies aren’t just unfair—they’re a slap in the face to working families who already struggle to keep up with New York City’s high cost of living.

What We’re Demanding:
We’re not asking for the moon—just some fairness and accountability. Here’s what we need:

1. Transparent and Fair Pricing: Stop the surprise fees and excessive penalties from EZPass. Simplify the system so everyone knows what they’re paying.
2. Pause and Reevaluate Congestion Pricing: Conduct an independent study on the real impact of this toll. Ensure the plan doesn’t punish the people who can least afford it.
3. Oversight and Accountability: Establish an independent oversight committee to monitor toll revenues. We deserve to know where our money is going and how it’s being spent.

Sign to Demand Change!
This isn’t just about tolls. It’s about fairness. It’s about standing up to a system that treats us like cash cows instead of people.

By signing this petition, you’re joining thousands of New Yorkers who are saying, “Enough is enough.” Let’s fight back against the tolls, fees, and policies that make it harder to live and work in the greatest city in the world.

Sign now and share with your friends and family. Together, we can make our voices heard.

Follow our Instagram: nyc.stand.up