As New York City launches its congestion pricing, residents express mixed feelings about its impact on traffic and public transit funding
Some folks are worried that the government won’t keep its promises about improving transit. They fear it’ll just make driving more expensive for those who really can’t afford it. Jan Lee, a contractor from Chinatown, shared his concerns. He said his workers, who aren’t exactly rolling in cash, will end up paying more just to do their jobs.
Kevin Graney, a software engineer living on the Upper West Side, thinks congestion pricing is a smart move. But he wishes it covered the whole island to avoid traffic issues uptown. He’s also a cyclist and believes fewer cars would make biking safer. Still, he’s got his worries about people dodging the tolls with fake license plates.
The program, which got the green light from all levels of government, charges drivers entering the congestion zone during peak hours. This zone covers Manhattan south of 60th Street, with a few exceptions. Governor Kathy Hochul claims the tolls will raise $15 billion for the Metropolitan Transit Authority, aiming to ease traffic and improve public transit for millions.
However, many Manhattan residents feel that the MTA has been poorly managed and worry that this program will waste their hard-earned money. David R. Jones, an anti-poverty advocate, believes people will eventually accept the program, even if it’s not with open arms.
New York is the first U.S. city to try this out, following in the footsteps of cities like London and Singapore. After years of delays, the program was finally set to launch, but Hochul postponed it due to concerns about the financial strain on residents.
In November, she announced the program would go ahead, but with lower tolls than initially planned. Early reports suggest the tolls have only slightly improved commute times, but some drivers are already noticing fewer cars on the road.
If this works out, officials hope it’ll help tackle the MTA’s massive budget shortfall. But there are still worries about fare evasion and safety on the subways, especially after some recent violent incidents. There’s definitely skepticism about how the MTA manages its resources, but many agree that investing in the system is crucial.
