Staten Island artist Scott LoBaido voiced his opposition to New York City's new congestion pricing plan this week, citing concerns about subway safety. His protest took place at 61st Street and Broadway, the same location where congestion pricing supporters celebrated its implementation.

The new fee, which charges drivers $9 to enter Manhattan south of Central Park or from Brooklyn and New Jersey, aims to reduce traffic and fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Critics argue it unfairly burdens the middle class and businesses while pushing commuters toward a subway system plagued by safety issues.

LoBaido recounted a conversation with a supporter of the new fee who cited environmental benefits. "I responded, 'Excuse me, I'd rather not be set on fire or stabbed,'" LoBaido told Fox News Digital, referencing several recent violent incidents in the subway system. These include an alleged arson attack by a Guatemalan immigrant who reportedly set a sleeping woman on fire, and separate stabbing incidents, including one on Christmas Eve at Grand Central Station.

LoBaido criticized statements by Governor Kathy Hochul and MTA Chairman Janno Lieber downplaying safety concerns. While the NYPD reports a slight decrease in overall subway crime, felony assaults have increased, and subway homicides doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Mayor Eric Adams has pledged to increase police presence in the subway, and the National Guard was deployed last year. However, LoBaido compared the congestion pricing situation to the Boston Tea Party, arguing against what he perceives as an excessive tax in light of ongoing safety issues. He believes the focus should be on addressing the violence and the fear it generates among subway riders, rather than pushing more people into the transit system.

Fox News' Sophia Compton contributed to this report.