New York City has become the first US city to implement congestion pricing, with the plan taking effect on January 5. The move aims to generate revenue for the city while reducing traffic and improving air quality. However, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed opposition to the plan, calling it a “disaster” for NYC.
Experts say that implementing congestion pricing before the presidential inauguration was crucial in protecting its viability, as the Federal Highway Administration could have withdrawn its approval if the plan had started after January 20. Michael Gerrard, a professor at Columbia Law School, noted that the plan has already been settled by courts and only Congress could potentially reverse it.
The plan charges passenger vehicles $9 during peak hours and $2.25 during off-peak hours for entry into Manhattan below 60th Street. Single-unit trucks will be charged $14.40 during peak hours and $3.60 during off-peak hours.
While critics argue that congestion pricing is an unnecessary burden on drivers, proponents say it will reduce traffic and pollution while providing revenue for city projects. Kate Slevin, executive vice president at the Regional Plan Association, believes that people will see benefits with time, such as less traffic on the roads and investments in public transit.
Other cities are watching New York’s implementation of congestion pricing, including Chicago, which tops the list of most traffic-congested cities in the US. Officials in Chicago have been following New York’s progress closely, and Manny Gonzales, spokesperson for the Chicago Transit Authority, has stated that the CTA is open to exploring similar revenue streams.
As the plan takes effect, experts and advocates are hopeful that it will reset the relationship between New Yorkers and automobiles, making the city a more livable and sustainable place.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/nyc-first-us-city-congestion-163042599.html