Global Courant
STORY: Motorists across Lower Manhattan face a new $23-a-day congestion charge next year, making New York the first major U.S. city to introduce such a program.
And what do New Yorkers think about it?
“It’s crazy.”
This driver says the charges are extortionate.
“I can’t really afford that because I drive to work five days a week. It’s ridiculous. And how much do I make a week to pay $23? I have to pay for the garage and then basically add $23?”
A taxi driver who spoke to Reuters said more tolls would pass the cost on to his passengers.
“Every passenger I pick up already pays congestion charges, so I don’t know why I have to pay and then collect the money for them. So I’m not going to do that.”
And this food vendor says it would eat its profits.
“Every day, if we make $200, we have to spend $150 on supplies and expenses and everything. So $23 isn’t good for anyone. It’s not good for anyone except the city. If they do this, nobody will want to do business in the city.”
Despite the dissenting vote, the plan goes ahead.
Federal authorities gave the green light on Monday, passing the government’s environmental assessment process.
The congestion charges go into effect next year and charge drivers variable rates once they enter New York’s central business district, which is defined as streets between 60th in Midtown Manhattan, and Battery Park on the southern tip of the island.
“This day has been a long time coming, but it was a thoughtful, methodical process.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, at a news conference Tuesday, cited a 2022 study that estimates congestion charges could reduce 15 to 20% of Manhattan’s traffic.
“How about less air pollution, lower carbon emissions, lower speeds, fewer accidents? I don’t mind. Fewer kids getting hit by cars on their way to school.”
In 2019, the plan to introduce congestion charges was approved.
New York lawmakers hoped it could provide funds to improve the city’s public transportation network.
The plan was originally supposed to start in 2021, but that was delayed when the federal government under President Donald Trump took no action against the plan.
