Save the MTA, destroy town? That appears to be the considering behind the outrageous congestion-pricing plan launched this week, with totally mind-boggling proposed tolls.
The scheme presents a variety of choices, however the hit — which may come as quickly as subsequent yr — requires slapping vehicles with as a lot as a $23 charge for the “privilege” of driving in Manhattan south of sixtieth Avenue.
Underneath some situations, automobiles may deduct some or all of bridge and tunnel tolls from the congestion-pricing charges. However the whole $23 sum works out to $115 per week for 5 journeys. Or $5,750 for 50 weeks a yr. Truck charges are even increased.
Are they out of their minds?
This clobbers space drivers, particularly these residing within the outer boroughs or outdoors town. Goodbye, return-to-your-office motion. Riders are already avoiding mass transit, because of crime; now they’re alleged to keep away from driving, too, to economize?
Even Gov. Kathy Hochul, through the first gubernatorial debate this yr, agreed that is no time to impose any new charge on drivers: “This isn’t going to occur within the subsequent yr underneath any circumstances,” she vowed, although she later largely flipflopped underneath strain.
The supposed aim is to unclog congestion on roads the place common speeds have plunged from 9.1 mph to 7.1 mph over the previous decade. But recall what additionally occurred throughout that decade: First, town started taking away site visitors lanes in favor of motorcycle and bus lanes and pedestrian plazas. Then the de Blasio administration lowered velocity limits. What did they assume would occur to common site visitors speeds?
Now they are saying this new (extremely regressive) tax is the remedy? Feels like the child who killed his dad and mom, then pleaded for mercy as an orphan.
Sure, the MTA wants cash. However why should motorists cowl all of the company’s shortfalls? It’s not like transit employees are being requested to make concessions, in any case.
Sorry: This plan seems to be like a secret plot to ship extra New York commuters to Florida.
