Governor plans discounted tolling program for mass transit repairs but unsure if $15 billion goal will be met.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has revived a congestion pricing program in an effort to address traffic congestion in Manhattan and raise funds for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (M.T.A). The program, which was previously canceled, will now charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. The revised plan aims to reduce rates to appease critics and ensure successful implementation before President-elect Donald J. Trump’s term begins.
The congestion pricing program will now charge most passenger cars $9 during peak hours, a reduction from the initial rate of $15. Additionally, off-peak rates will be set at $2.25, and similar discounts will apply to other vehicle types. Governor Hochul’s decision to lower fees is a strategic move to garner support and overcome opposition to the tolling plan.
The primary objective of the congestion pricing program is to generate $15 billion for the M.T.A to finance essential repairs and upgrades to New York’s public transportation system. Governor Hochul’s announcement of a 40 percent reduction in toll fees aims to strike a balance between raising revenue and ensuring affordability for drivers.
The revised congestion pricing plan is set to be reviewed by the M.T.A board for approval. Governor Hochul is racing against time to implement the program before President-elect Trump’s administration takes office. Despite concerns about the program’s effectiveness, the reduced toll fees are a step towards achieving the M.T.A’s financial goals and improving New York’s public transit infrastructure.
Source: The NY Times
