Congestion Pricing Plan
In Manhattan, traffic was always a huge issue, especially in the downtown area. There was a large amount of people, almost to the point where there would be hours long traffic jams. However, there was a particular idea that was introduced, that would likely help lessen the amount of traffic, while generating funds for the city.
The MTA introduced congestion pricing, which was essentially going to be a toll on those that utilized the streets of Manhattan. This toll “will charge cars $15 to enter Manhattan below 61st Street and hit trucks with even higher tolls starting in just a few months,” according to New York 4 News.
What Will This Plan Help Fund?
Despite this plan being highly controversial, there are some positive aspects of this plan. This plan will reduce traffic in the downtown area, reduce pollution, and help contribute to the MTA’s Metro-North Railroad. The Metro-North Railroad is a transit system that is going to mostly utilize the projected $15 billion that the city is going to receive from these tolls.
However, this is not the only transit system the MTA is going to fund the most. There are many other stations and railways the MTA will be focusing these funds on as well.
Cars will pay $15; trucks and buses will pay between $24 to $36 for utilizing the streets of Manhattan. However, there will be some exemptions from this toll. Certain city vehicles, such as school buses and law enforcement, are going to be exempt from this toll. Furthermore, there will be the possibility for people that are disabled to be exempt as well.
The Future of This Toll
However, people are still incredibly upset that they are going to have to pay just to drive on those streets. This especially angers those that need to commute to downtown Manhattan on a daily basis to get to work, or other places of necessity.
Many compare this to a ‘subscription,’ and many are voicing their opinions on this particular plan. The only possible way for this to potentially be shut down is if there is a lawsuit that is introduced. However, the odds of something like that happening are little to none.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
New York 4 News: MTA board OKs congestion pricing plan, paving way for $15 tolls (and up) starting this summer
WTNH.com: Funds from MTA congestion pricing to help Metro-North Railroad
Featured Image Courtesy of Lindsay Kinkade’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of V.T. Polywoda’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
