Tolling the Streets: On Congestion Pricing’s Impact
“Whether you're late to work, in a hurry to pick up your kids from dismissal or in a rush to go somewhere, it doesn't matter. Traffic will move at its own pace.”
If you’ve ever tried to get into Manhattan from the Bronx, you know how crazy traffic can get. The tunnels and bridges are heavily packed at all hours with no squeeze room to even speed off or maneuver into the next lane. You’re lucky if you don’t end up stuck in the same spot for an hour. Whether you're late to work, in a hurry to pick up your kids from dismissal or in a rush to go somewhere, it doesn't matter. Traffic will move at its own pace.
There's a new plan that has been integrated that could further increase cost making commuters question whether traveling into Manhattan is even worth it anymore. The proposed congestion pricing plan aims to charge drivers entering Manhattan's central business district a toll, with fees potentially ranging from $9 to $23 per trip during peak hours.
While the plan is intended to reduce traffic and fund MTA improvements, its raising eyebrows among commuters. Many Bronx residents feel targeted as the toll creates a barrier to accessing Manhattan for work as well as the Bronx having less reliable and quite unsafe transportation options compared to other boroughs. For families juggling multiple responsibilities or essential workers like teachers fundamental to the stealth of the youths' education without reliable transit routes, the toll feels more like a penalty than a solution.
New York City's newly enforced congestion pricing plan affects a wide range of people including commuter, business, and low income drivers who rely on their vehicles to enter Manhattan's central business district. This new enforcement may force drivers to choose between incurring tolls and adopting other less cost effective options or routes which may result in a significant increase in travel times downtown.
We asked some people about their opinions on the implementation of the new congestion pricing and many of them shared their thoughts. Coach Johnson, who travels from New Jersey to New York. for work and other commitments said that the new congestion pricing is “bullshit.” When asked if the congestion pricing has improved the traffic in New York City, she said during the first few days there was some change to the amount of traffic on the roads, but overtime the traffic went back to normal especially during peak rush hour.
Additionally, Coach Johnson also stated that with all the incidents such as people getting burned and other forms of crime happening on the train, more people are becoming increasingly fearful of using the train and other forms of public transportation. She said: “There’s increasing crime on the trains, and congestion pricing is making bridge tolls more expensive, leaving commuters stuck in a difficult situation. Instead of adding costs, widening bridges and streets could help reduce traffic, as congestion will persist regardless of the mode of transportation.”
Mr Carapezza, who is more on the neutral stance on the congestion pricing issue, and also commutes from New Jersey to New York for work and other commitments, is directly affected and has to pay the increased tolls everyday to enter in and out of the city. The tolls add about thirty dollars weekly to his budget but has managed to subsidize some of his other expenses to make room for the increased toll prices. While he doesn’t love the cost, arriving 15 minutes earlier makes it worthwhile in the mornings to work. He hasn’t noticed major traffic changes and doesn’t feel a long-term financial strain, having adjusted his budget. Moreover, he hopes the revenue improves the MTA but is frustrated that congestion pricing only applies to Manhattan, while the Bronx also has heavier traffic. Therefore, there should also be more initiatives for the congested priced zones. He believes it may increase costs for goods and should be expanded citywide with benefits for all boroughs. Though skeptical, he acknowledges it has worked in other cities and feels time will tell if it’s truly effective. He said: “What would frustrate me is if the subway system and other public transportation didn’t become better in 20 years, if not then there would be bigger problems and questions faced by the government.”
Recent data from the Congestion Pricing Tracker provides more insight into how the policy is affecting traffic patterns and commute times. According to the tracker, traffic congestion in Manhattan has slightly decreased since the law has been imposed. Particularly high traffic areas like the Williamsburg Bridge and Holland Tunnel have seen shortened commute time during peak rush hours. However, people are still questioning the safety of public transformation as another alternative.
All in all, New York City's congestion pricing plan has sparked a debate among commuters, business owners, and policymakers. While this new initiative aims to reduce traffic in high populated zones and fund improvements to the MTA, many drivers feel the financial burdens outweigh the benefits of the new initiative. Time will tell and time will see if all the promises made by the government will actually take effect with the revenue.