Is the first "traffic jam fee" in the United States finally coming? Brewing the collection of "traffic congestion fees" | New York City

After obtaining federal government approval, New York City in the United States will begin planning to collect traffic congestion fees. Starting from next spring at the earliest, vehicles driving into downtown Manhattan are expected to be charged fees ranging from $9 to $82. The plan aims to improve traffic congestion in downtown New York and promote urban development. If implemented, New York City will become the first city in the United States to charge "traffic congestion fees", which may lead to other cities following suit. However, the plan also faces a lot of opposition.

Levy "traffic congestion fees"

After obtaining approval from the Federal Highway Administration of the United States, New York City will have 310 days to plan for the collection of traffic congestion fees, including developing fee details, laying out toll facilities, and so on. The official name of the project is "Central Business District Toll Plan", but the public generally regards it as "traffic congestion fee".

It is expected that vehicles driving into lower Manhattan will be subject to a traffic jam fee starting from next spring at the earliest. At present, the specific cost has not been determined, but the potential plan is to charge a fee of $9 to $23 for passenger cars and $12 to $82 for trucks. Cost design may also take into account factors such as peak hours.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on the 27th that this plan aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Lower Manhattan, reduce traffic pollution, and provide important resources for improving the city's century old public transportation system. If implemented, this plan is expected to generate $1 billion in revenue annually.

It has been brewing for a long time

In fact, the then Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, had already proposed the idea of collecting "traffic congestion fees" as early as 2007, in order to alleviate traffic congestion in the city center and reduce traffic pollution. At that time, cities such as London in the UK, Stockholm in Sweden, and Singapore had already imposed "traffic congestion fees" and achieved certain results.

Meanwhile, traffic congestion in New York City has become increasingly severe in recent years. According to the data of the Metropolitan Transportation Bureau of New York City, before the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, about 700000 cars, taxis and trucks poured into lower Manhattan every day. The average speed was only 11.4 kilometers per hour, and there was a trend to become slower.

CNN also cited an assessment that New York City residents delay an average of 117 hours per year due to traffic congestion, resulting in productivity losses and other costs close to $2000.

Nevertheless, Bloomberg's idea was rejected by the state legislature at the time. Former New York Governor Andrew Como also opposed this idea at one point. However, as the problems brought about by the aging subway system in New York City became increasingly prominent, Como's attitude changed.

In 2019, the hope of collecting "traffic congestion fees" in New York City was once again ignited. After the state legislature gave the green light, the plan is scheduled to be implemented from 2021. But according to Reuters, the plan was not supported by the Trump administration at the time, and due to the impact of the pandemic, it was once again put on hold.

Currently, as the epidemic subsides, the problem of traffic congestion in downtown New York has once again become prominent. The local traffic volume has rebounded to over 90% of pre pandemic levels, and the rebound momentum of non bus vehicles is even stronger.

But the plan still faces opposition. Three Democratic congressmen from New Jersey - Senator Bob Menendez, Representative Josh Gotthamer, and Bill Pasquerel - believe that levying a "traffic jam fee" is simply a way to grab money for the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority. They also accused the plan of not being fully evaluated for its potential impact on the environment, as well as low-income and vulnerable groups.

Menendes has proposed that if the "congestion fee" plan is implemented, it will push for a 50% reduction in federal highway funding to New York State. "We will not stop fighting until we defeat this plan."

Among the opponents are low-income groups such as taxi drivers. They stated that the plan may lead to an increase in fares, resulting in a decrease in consumer demand for taxis. In addition, vehicles entering Manhattan through bridges and tunnels have been required to pay tolls, making traffic congestion fees even worse.

In the neighboring state of New Jersey, many people also hold an opposing attitude. Because people driving from the state to Manhattan may find that commuting costs are skyrocketing. Additionally, there may be many vehicles diverted to the state due to traffic congestion fees, resulting in a series of negative impacts on transportation and the environment.

It is reported that the Democratic Party controlled New Jersey state legislature has also passed a so-called "stay in New Jersey" bill, providing subsidies to businesses to allow employees to work in New Jersey. New Jersey Governor and Democrat Phil Murphy also plans to "explore all legal options" to resist the "traffic congestion fee" plan.

Faced with these objections, the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority has begun considering a series of targeted measures, including offering discounts to rental vehicles and limiting the frequency of tolls.

Or become an "example"

Currently, the success or failure of New York City's plan to collect "traffic congestion fees" is closely monitored by leaders of other cities. If successful, the plan may become a model for other cities to emulate, especially considering that these cities are almost all facing tasks such as upgrading infrastructure, promoting post pandemic recovery, and addressing climate change.

Hochul also mentioned that New York City may play a leading role. She said to the local people, "Others will look at us. Other cities are also paying attention. How does this plan work here? Alright, we need to show them. We need to show them how you did it."

The Los Angeles Times editorial department said last month, "I'm glad to see that the project in New York City is moving forward. Los Angeles should observe, learn, and then take action."