Congestion pricing in lower Manhattan, New York City (archive) is coming soon. However, transit advocacy groups are calling for the city's Traffic Mobility Review Board to enact stricter fares on...
Congestion pricing in lower Manhattan, New York City (archive) is coming soon. However, transit advocacy groups are calling for the city's Traffic Mobility Review Board to enact stricter fares on commercial car-oriented transit entering the busiest part of America's largest city.
The congestion law passed in 2019 by the state has been undergoing an onerous environmental review process from the federal government for the past four years. In spring 2024, drivers entering lower Manhattan (south of 60th street) will be paying significantly higher tolls (potentially up to $23) in an effort to ease personal vehicle use in midtown and the financial district. The move is expected to reduce traffic congestion and transportation emissions, increase public transit ridership, and add a new revenue stream to the MTA's carefully balanced budget.
Currently, the state's congestion pricing law specifies three exceptions: emergency vehicles, qualified vehicles carrying people with disabilities, and low-income (<$60k) residents of the congestion zone. These people will not be subject to any congestion fees. Additionally, the MTA's Environmental Assessment recommends that commercial ride-hail services not be charged more than once daily for entering the congestion zone.
Transit advocates organized under the Congestion Pricing Now Coalition argue that this final exemption minimizes the positive impact of the congestion zone. They say that for-hire ride-hail services like Uber and Lyft should be subject to congestion pricing just like anyone else. However, they do want to exempt local taxis. The goal is to reduce suburban reliance on private vehicles to access lower Manhattan, a borough which is extremely accessible by public transit from Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, and the other boroughs of NYC.
The coalition also argues that heavy trucks and other large vehicles should be charged a higher rate in the congestion zone than small vehicles, excepting for commuter buses.
We'll see what the Traffic Mobility Review Board ends up deciding in their Wednesday meeting. They'll pass on their recommendation to the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, who will make the final decision on tolling and implement the congestion plan's necessary infrastructure.
Surely it's not fair if taxis don't have to pay congestion pricing but for-hire ride-hail services so? I realise that the maximum number of taxis are far fewer but it's effectively taxpayers...
Surely it's not fair if taxis don't have to pay congestion pricing but for-hire ride-hail services so? I realise that the maximum number of taxis are far fewer but it's effectively taxpayers subsidising taxi drivers / wealthier taxi riders.
Taxis are regulated and there is a finite number of them. Ride hailing cars are much MUCH more of a menace on the roads. The volume of them, combined with the fact that they’re often being driven...
Taxis are regulated and there is a finite number of them. Ride hailing cars are much MUCH more of a menace on the roads. The volume of them, combined with the fact that they’re often being driven by unskilled drivers and a rating system that encourages them to break laws about double parking or blocking bike lanes to get closer to their fares makes them a major traffic impediment.
I feel that Uber has an unfair advantage because they avoid or even evade a bunch of regulation that other services have to comply with. Tax payer subsidies aim to equalise this unfair advantage...
I feel that Uber has an unfair advantage because they avoid or even evade a bunch of regulation that other services have to comply with. Tax payer subsidies aim to equalise this unfair advantage and help people chose based on feature, not just price. It's bad for the public for their choice to be between a well regulated but expensive option and a poorly regulated but cheaper option.
Congestion pricing in lower Manhattan, New York City (archive) is coming soon. However, transit advocacy groups are calling for the city's Traffic Mobility Review Board to enact stricter fares on commercial car-oriented transit entering the busiest part of America's largest city.
The congestion law passed in 2019 by the state has been undergoing an onerous environmental review process from the federal government for the past four years. In spring 2024, drivers entering lower Manhattan (south of 60th street) will be paying significantly higher tolls (potentially up to $23) in an effort to ease personal vehicle use in midtown and the financial district. The move is expected to reduce traffic congestion and transportation emissions, increase public transit ridership, and add a new revenue stream to the MTA's carefully balanced budget.
Currently, the state's congestion pricing law specifies three exceptions: emergency vehicles, qualified vehicles carrying people with disabilities, and low-income (<$60k) residents of the congestion zone. These people will not be subject to any congestion fees. Additionally, the MTA's Environmental Assessment recommends that commercial ride-hail services not be charged more than once daily for entering the congestion zone.
Transit advocates organized under the Congestion Pricing Now Coalition argue that this final exemption minimizes the positive impact of the congestion zone. They say that for-hire ride-hail services like Uber and Lyft should be subject to congestion pricing just like anyone else. However, they do want to exempt local taxis. The goal is to reduce suburban reliance on private vehicles to access lower Manhattan, a borough which is extremely accessible by public transit from Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, and the other boroughs of NYC.
The coalition also argues that heavy trucks and other large vehicles should be charged a higher rate in the congestion zone than small vehicles, excepting for commuter buses.
We'll see what the Traffic Mobility Review Board ends up deciding in their Wednesday meeting. They'll pass on their recommendation to the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, who will make the final decision on tolling and implement the congestion plan's necessary infrastructure.
Surely it's not fair if taxis don't have to pay congestion pricing but for-hire ride-hail services so? I realise that the maximum number of taxis are far fewer but it's effectively taxpayers subsidising taxi drivers / wealthier taxi riders.
Taxis are regulated and there is a finite number of them. Ride hailing cars are much MUCH more of a menace on the roads. The volume of them, combined with the fact that they’re often being driven by unskilled drivers and a rating system that encourages them to break laws about double parking or blocking bike lanes to get closer to their fares makes them a major traffic impediment.
I feel that Uber has an unfair advantage because they avoid or even evade a bunch of regulation that other services have to comply with. Tax payer subsidies aim to equalise this unfair advantage and help people chose based on feature, not just price. It's bad for the public for their choice to be between a well regulated but expensive option and a poorly regulated but cheaper option.