the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New York NY, the MTA has provided additional insights into its forthcoming congestion pricing initiative, set to commence next spring.
The Traffic Mobility Review Board has issued pricing recommendations that, while lower than the initial proposals, still exceed the willingness of many to pay. Disclosed details at a Lower Manhattan news conference outlined the anticipated cost of entering the congestion zone, set at $15 for most cars. Commercial trucks face fees ranging from $24 to $36, contingent on size, while motorcycles are subject to a $7.50 charge. Taxi riders can anticipate an additional $1.25 per fare, and ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft are expected to tack on an extra $2.50 per ride.
To accommodate drivers, a credit system for entering the congestion zone via bridges and tunnels has been introduced. Vehicles entering Manhattan through Hudson or East River tunnels would receive a $5 credit, with cars benefiting from a $5 reduction, and trucks and buses eligible for credits ranging from $12 to $20. However, there are no similar credits for motorists crossing the George Washington Bridge before entering Midtown, a decision met with criticism from New Jersey politicians and residents.
Commuters traveling during nighttime hours will enjoy a 75% reduction in congestion pricing fees between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Additionally, low-income drivers making multiple trips will be eligible for a 50% discount.
The implementation of these tolls aims to alleviate traffic in Midtown and Lower Manhattan while generating up to a billion dollars annually for the MTA’s capital plan to maintain and upgrade the New York City transit system. Despite concerns raised by New Jersey officials, Governor Kathy Hochul emphasizes the broader benefits, including environmental protection, air quality, street mobility, and the financial stability of the MTA.
Mayor Eric Adams supports congestion pricing, asserting that those able to afford higher driving costs should pay, given the ample mass transit options available in the congestion pricing zone. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy remains critical, foreseeing increased traffic and pollution in the Garden State and expressing concerns about traffic issues at the George Washington Bridge under the current proposal. Legal action is underway, with New Jersey suing New York over congestion pricing.
The Taxi Workers Alliance warns that this initiative will have a devastating impact on a workforce that has already faced significant challenges. Public hearings are scheduled for February 2024, allowing for public input before the MTA Board conducts a vote based on the received feedback.
Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce said ,” We are extremely disappointed that MTA officials are continually creating policies in a vacuum without consulting New Jersey when it is our residents and businesses that will bear the brunt of congestion pricing at a time of already high inflation and other rising costs. New Jersey deserves better from our neighbors in New York City. The Chamber remains steadfast in our opposition to the current congestion pricing plans because it is bad for the state’s economy, especially for those that rely on regularly conducting business in New York City.”
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…all part of the master plan to kill NYC