New York City last week became the first U.S. city to approve congestion pricing tolls, an ambitious program to fund mass transit upgrades and relieve gridlock on city streets.
Similar programs in London, Stockholm and Milan have helped improve transit, reduce pollution and improve the overall quality of life. There’s good reason to expect similar outcomes here.
The MTA’s approval of $15 daytime tolls to enter Manhattan below 60th Street starting in mid-June caps a grueling, years-long effort and proves that New York can still tackle big challenges when elected officials and civic leaders step up and work together with key stakeholders, including in the business community. Now the focus must turn toward execution — of a simple, fair tolling system with minimal exemptions, and responsible stewardship of the resulting funds to deliver a world-class transit system.
Of course, sour grapes remain among some New Yorkers who cling tightly to their cars and suburban mindsets — and elected officials in New Jersey who could use a refresher course on jurisdiction. The handful of pending lawsuits should be quickly dispatched: It’s time for the naysayers to move on and accept a tolling formula that’s thoughtful and fair.
The program offers few exemptions, save for emergency vehicles, school buses, commuter buses and city vehicles necessary for carrying out services (not carting around high-ranking government officials). But there’s a 75% discount for late-night trips to encourage off-peak travel, significant discounts for Uber cars and yellow cabs, and exemptions for people with disabilities. Low-income drivers can apply for half-priced daytime tolls.
The MTA should monitor traffic data to identify and make adjustments that are justified as tolling rolls out but should stand firm on no carve-outs for elected officials, political donors or bureaucrats who could absolutely take transit with the rest of us. The program can ill afford another patronage merry-go-round like the one with parking placards. And once tolling proceeds roll in, the MTA must deploy the funds wisely on upgrades that make it easier, safer and more pleasant to use public transit in New York City.
“We’re at long, long, long, long last leading the nation,” MTA board member and deputy mayor Meera Joshi said during last week’s vote. “For city centers to survive and thrive, traffic congestion must be managed — it dirties our air, adds hours to travel time, depletes the income of professional drivers, and drains our economy.”
Now the real work begins.
The Editors , 2024-04-01 12:03:06
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