MANHATTAN, N.Y. — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s controversial plan to toll cars and trucks entering the downtown core was shelved by state legislators in Albany this week.

The so-called “congestion” pricing plan, called for an $8 toll for cars and a $21 charge for trucks entering Manhattan’s business district during workdays between 6 a.m and 6 p.m. The extra cash was to go toward transportation and transit improvements.

Bloomberg reportedly lashed out at the plan’s opponents, saying those lawmakers had jeopardized a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Although some supporters say they think the plan can somehow be saved, Bloomberg was less optimistic. “I don’t know that it’s dead or alive,” he said, adding, however, that he’ll keep fighting for it.

Several polls in New York found that voters disapproved of the proposed fees.

— from Reuters