(TheProudRepublic.com) – Being already one of the most expensive cities in the United States, Democrat-run New York will become the first city to charge drivers punitive tolls after transit officials approved a $15 fee for most drivers entering the busiest part of Manhattan.
According to AP reports, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board voted to approve the congestion pricing plan, which is expected to start in June. Despite public input, the board made only minor tweaks to the proposal and denied requests for exemptions from numerous commuter groups.
The approved plan entails a $15 toll for most commuter passenger vehicles each time they enter Manhattan south of 60th Street during daytime hours, below Central Park. Moreover, different rates will apply for larger vehicles, late-night entries, and motorcycles.
Similar toll systems are already in place in cities like London, Stockholm, Milan, and Singapore where private motorists face charges for entering busy zones.
In contrast, there has been notable resistance, particularly in central London, where locals are angered by the fees imposed on their daily travels.
Commuters who enter Manhattan from other states and boroughs already pay around $15 for bridges and tunnels, with the congestion fee added on top of that.
Within the congestion zone, which spans a dozen Manhattan neighborhoods below 60th Street, daily parking fees range from $25 to $50.
Furthеrmore, if the plan withstands expеcted legal challengеs, New York will be the first U.S. city to еnforce congestion pricing.
In 2017, Virginia officials introducеd a toll system on Interstate 66 nеar Washington, DC which aimed to ease congestion during rush hour.
Copyright 2024, TheProudRepublic.com
