Congestion pricing is expected to raise billions of dollars for mass transit improvements, while reducing traffic for those who must drive into Manhattan’s busy core below 60th Street, according to Juliette Michaelson, executive director of the Traffic Mobility Review Board (TMRB). The TMRB board recommended a final toll structure to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which was passed by a vote in in March. The fees are scheduled to take effect in mid-June.
While most vehicles will be charged $15 during weekday hours, Michaelson pointed to several measures that should ease the financial pain for many: Making the toll only $3.75 for people entering the zone during off-peak overnight hours; a reduced toll rate for low-income drivers who make less than $50,000 per year after their first 10 trips in a calendar month; a tax credit for those living in the zone who earn less than $60,000 equal to the amount paid in congestion charges; and exemptions for those with disabilities or those caring for someone with a disability.
The passengers in yellow taxis and traditional black cars and liveries will pay a $1.25 surcharge, and riders using high-volume for-hire vehicle (HVFHV) services like Uber and Lyft will be hit with a $2.50 surcharge. The TMRB examined trip data that showed the average taxi makes about 12 trips a day – so the congestion fee was divided by that figure. A similar approach was applied to HVFHVs.
Only a handful of exemptions were granted, namely emergency vehicles and municipal vehicles needed to carry out a city service, and commuter buses. The Riders Alliance projects congestion pricing will reduce traffic in the designated area by an estimated 17% from current levels.
The MTA, along with other city and state agencies, have committed to monitoring traffic patterns and the environmental outcomes of congestion pricing once it’s live.
Source: Crain’s New York Business
