It will soon be more expensive to drive through Manhattan’s busiest streets, as a toll program aimed at reducing traffic in New York City crossed a major roadblock this month.
The plan is the first of its kind in the United States and seeks to prevent cars from crowding into one of the world’s busiest commercial districts – about a third of the southern length of Manhattan – while also promoting push public transport. The area runs from 60th Street to Pin, but ignores the East lifeline of the FDR Road and the West Expressway along the edges of the county. State lawmakers authorized the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to develop and run the program in April 2019.
About 7.7 million people flow through this district on an average day in the week before the pandemic – almost twice the population of Los Angeles. Three-quarters of those trips are made by public transit, and about 24 percent are made by car, taxi, van or van, according to the New York Urban Transportation Council. The set of neighborhoods that make up the area that makes up most of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, as well as attractions like Times Square and Madison Square Garden.
Fees levied on the area are expected to generate $1 billion in public transit annually – much-needed money for the city’s commuter subway, bus and rail lines . Authorities are expecting a $2.5 billion deficit by 2025and congestion pricing will bring in new revenue.
Here are a few things to know about congestion pricing:
How much will motorists price congestion?
Prices will vary depending on the type of vehicle entering the county and when.
Officials have yet to decide on the fee, but a transit study published last week offered a glimpse into the different scenarios being considered. One proposal would charge passengers with an E-ZPass account $23 for peak-hour trip to Midtown and $17 for off-peak.
Fees could be much higher for those passing by with a larger vehicle without an E-ZPass – according to one proposal, large vans would do the same can pay more than 100 dollars.
Transit research is a key step in the project approval process that will involve transit officials from Washington, Albany and New York City.
When will the exam start?
The charges could go into effect as early as the end of 2023.
The plan was supposed to kick off last year, but it was derailed when Governor Andrew M. Cuomo resigned over a sexual harassment scandal. After many years of resistance, Mr. Cuomo – a Democrat and car enthusiast who balked at the idea – spurred New York to become the first American city to accept congestion pricing.
Because tolls will be collected on roads that already receive federal funding, state and local transportation agencies have had to undertake newly released research to avoid harming residents. from disadvantaged communities. Now that the report is complete, the agencies will organize a series hearing from August 25 to August 31 for the public to participate.
After federal, state, and local leaders make fee recommendations — and any other discounts, waivers, and allowances — the MTA board gives final approval.
Who will be exempt?
Some paratransit vehicles and authorized ambulances will not pay fees. Those who have their primary residence in the district and earn less than $60,000 are eligible for a state tax credit equal to their tolls.
Rates for different types of vehicles, such as delivery trucks, may differ from those for non-commercial passenger vehicles.
Proposals are under consideration to impose a fee cap on certain vehicles – such as non-commercial passenger vehicles entering the county, that would not be charged more than once per day. Other allowances may be considered for vehicles that have paid tolls to the bridge and tunnel on the same day.
Why does New York want these fees?
The city wants to reduce traffic, fight pollution and find new ways to pay for public transit.
By charging tolls to drive into Manhattan’s busiest neighborhoods, officials hope to prevent cars from crowding the county’s streets. Participants will help pay for public transit upgrades.
Ultimately, experts say, this would make New York commutes fairer by levying a convenience fee on those who could, at least in theory, be able to afford to help those in need. less – people who rely on bus and subway networks tend to be lower earners.
Why does the transportation system need more money?
Funds raised through congestion pricing will be used to upgrade infrastructure, such as building new platform fences or elevators. The program is expected to help fund $15 billion to improve commuter subway, bus and rail systems.
Who benefits?
Supporters of the plan say that having fewer vehicles on the roads will improve the area’s air quality, reduce travel times and help New York. Traffic congestion bus networkwhich is used mainly by low-income people who don’t have a car and live far from the subway.
Money raised for the MTA will pay for a stronger transit network and help riders get around easier and faster.
Other cities have had success with congestion pricing schemes. Based on study preparation for the US Department of TransportationLondon, Singapore and Stockholm all saw less traffic after setting up their own tolls.
Who opposes the project?
Politicians outside of Manhattan have condemned the plan, fearing it could create an unfair burden on people from other counties and around the area who need to get there.
Staten Island Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis and New Jersey Democrat Representative Josh Gottheimer released a statement this week called the proposal “absurd” and vowed to enact legislation requiring a federal audit of the MTA
“Stop treating New Yorkers and American taxpayers like ATMs,” Ms. Malliotakis said in the statement. “Enough is enough.”
