“The Metropolitan Transportation Authority estimates that New Yorkers lose, on average, 117 hours each year on account of congestion, which adds up to roughly $2,000 in lost productivity per person. Still… a particular populist argument against congestion pricing has emerged, that bears engagement. The idea essentially is that Manhattan is both a luxury product and democratizing social asset. Charging admission beyond what is demanded by the tolls that already must be paid at bridges and tunnels is an extension of the velvet rope, making the cultural benefits of Manhattan less available to the millions who cannot afford to live there.”
Source: The New York Times
