The MTA board, with a majority vote, has given the green light to New York City’s congestion pricing scheme. This contentious plan will impose a $15 fee on cars entering Manhattan below 61st Street, with even higher tolls for trucks. The decision, backed by most board members except for one dissenting vote from Nassau County’s David Mack, sets the stage for implementation within a few months.
Following last year’s approval of the plan itself, the recent vote focused on finalizing “clarifications” and exemptions. With almost all toll readers already installed, the MTA aims to commence collection by June 15, pending any legal challenges from federal judges. Despite potential opposition, the board reaffirmed its stance, emphasizing the revenue infusion vital for the financially strained transit system.
Regarding exemptions, government vehicles are poised to receive the most significant reprieve, drawing criticism from some quarters. While taxis won’t be subject to the toll directly, riders will face a $1.25 surcharge per trip, a policy extending to rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, albeit with a higher $2.50 surcharge.
Despite assertions of widespread support from MTA officials, opposition persists, particularly from taxi advocates who denounce the plan as detrimental to their livelihoods. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy echoes these sentiments, expressing discontent with the decision and vowing to contest what he perceives as an unjust tolling scheme disproportionately affecting his constituents.
Congestion pricing targets vehicles entering Manhattan’s Central Business District, encompassing areas below 60th Street, with varying toll rates based on vehicle type. Passenger vehicles face a $15 fee, while rates for trucks range from $24 to $36, and motorcycles incur a $7.50 charge. The toll operates during peak hours on weekdays and weekends, with reduced rates during off-peak times.
Exemptions are limited, primarily reserved for specialized government and emergency vehicles. Low-income drivers may qualify for reduced tolls after the first ten trips in a month. Additionally, crossing credits alleviate toll burdens for drivers using designated tunnels, although certain groups, including public-sector employees and residents within the CBD, did not secure exemptions as hoped.
Amid ongoing opposition, including legal challenges, the MTA’s approval signals a contentious but decisive step towards implementing congestion pricing. With stakeholders on both sides preparing for further action, the fate of the scheme rests partially in the hands of the judiciary, as lawsuits seek to address concerns of equity and environmental impact.
{Matzav.com}
money lefty money grab. These thieves created all the congestion by taking away driving lanes, allowing bikes and electric scooters and Ubers.
This is terrible day for Klal Yisruel.
I insist that I be able to drive my giant gas guzzler into Manhattan any time I want, without paying a single cent. And I should get instant, automatic free parking, and be allowed to idle and perfume the air with my tailpipe emissions as long as I wish, with no limitations at all.
The Rabbunim should be goyzer taanis, at least partially (like no chulent or kigel on Leil Shishi), until this gezyreh is removed.
You are right. We are running a city here , not a park. You want to ride your bike, go to the park
You want to speed, endangering people and property? Go to a speedway.
Want to park wherever you want? Go to a desert somewhere, with plenty of room.
A city with residents must protect its citizens from wild drivers, and dangerous motorists.
The NY City Council is thee most corrupt and sodomite in the Nation. Evil and rotten to the core.
all the bikur cholim to the hospitals, all the chesed for elderly and sick, all the chesed cars
will have great difficulty. Going to simchas and mizvos will be much harder because the fdr and west side
highway will be so crowded it is another geferlich mazav from the most courrupt govt
The traffic will be reduced, so people will save time traveling.
Less cars = less pollution.
More money for mass transit.
WIN-WIN-WIN
Win win win for who?? The latte sipping, LBGTQ, lefty progresssives that do nothing all day and never really worked a day in their lives. Try running a city like NY without cars and trucks. Why do bikes and scooters have more rights to the streets. And I don’t want to hear about this environment stupidity
“Why do bikes and scooters have more rights to the streets. ”
What are you talking about?
The gasoline vehicles dominate the streets. And take up so much of the public space parked all over.
How many bike lanes are there? A few here and there?
There are many, many more car lanes. Time to reduce the amount of car lanes and take back the public space they use for their free parking.