After implementing “congestion pricing” for car journey into the busiest sections of Manhattan, New York’s MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) is claiming that charging of us to enter sure areas is “working,” based on figures for the primary week.
In accordance with The New York Publish, though the company is attempting to make individuals really feel they’ve made the best transfer so as to add extra monetary burdens to these affected by it, critics don’t consider them. Officers from the MTA have acknowledged of their first report that journey instances on the bridges that join the outer boroughs to Manhattan, south of 61st Avenue, was down by as a lot as 40% through the first week. Additionally they declare that automobile site visitors south of 61st Avenue fell by 16% from October and seven.5% from the identical time in January 2024. That quantities to 273,000 fewer automobiles for the primary week of congestion pricing compared to final yr’s numbers.
The transit company acknowledged that “anecdotal stories” present site visitors is transferring higher within the congestion zone because of the $9 worth level for automobiles (vans and bigger autos pay extra based mostly on a number of various factors). They mentioned extra individuals are taking public transportation, as ridership has elevated.
“I feel it’s apparent to everyone right here that it has been an excellent week right here in New York,” MTA Deputy Chief of Coverage and Exterior Relations Juliette Michaelson instructed reporters on Monday. “Simply look out the window. There may be much less site visitors and faster streets. I feel everyone can see it.”
Critics don’t consider what the MTA is touting.
“The MTA math is greater than fuzzy — it’s fugazi,” Metropolis Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) mentioned. “I consider of their mathematical abilities as a lot as I believed of their timeline for the Second Avenue subway.”
Susan Lee, who runs New Yorkers In opposition to Congestion Taxes, additionally had a differing opinion.
“January is often the slowest month of the yr,” mentioned Lee, who lives within the Tribeca part of Manhattan. “Whereas some areas expertise much less site visitors, others have seen increased than common congestion because of drivers avoiding paying the congestion pricing tax. The MTA must be cautious what they’re celebrating.”
And there may be one other issue that the MTA could not have included when reporting these numbers.
Town simply weathered some snow and below-freezing temperatures throughout the identical time, which can have had an impact on individuals not leaving their houses. To this point, this has been the coldest January in recent times.
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