New York City is moving forward with implementing a congestion pricing plan that will see a significant toll increase across the bridges connected to Manhattan. This measure is promoted as one way to deal with climate change and traffic congestion in the city but will have far reaching effects for NYC residents and visitors alike.
People headed into Manhattan already pay big tolls to use many of the bridges and tunnels connecting commuters across the Hudson, East and Harlem Rivers. The special tolls for the southern half of Manhattan would come on top of those existing charges. — Lawmakers, labor workers speak out against MTA's congestion pricing plan
The new tolls could be increased to “$23 for a rush-hour trip and $17 in off-peak hours”. As expected, there had already been over 120 exemption requests from various interested parties as of June. If all of the exemptions were granted, almost no one would be paying the inflated tolls. A large portion of the people who work in Manhattan live outside of the borough. Some estimate say that the new congestion pricing plan will increase their commuting expense by $5000 to $6000 per year. Such a significant increase will undoubtedly increase the conditions that led to the findings of a Ford Foundation report released in April that found that “50% of New York City working-age households don't earn enough to meet basic needs.” That added expense doesn’t take into account recreational travel that a person would expect to be able to do within the city they live.
Residents aren’t the only ones who will feel the burden but tourists are expected to be faced with the increase as well. For example, taxi and car service rides will have an added expense and even out-of-town Broadway ticket sales are expected to take a hit.
On the latest episode of the Nuance podcast we asked how much these increased tolls would change driver habits - if at all. If you live in NYC or plan to visit, would this change your driving behavior?
Additional:
Kai Cenat and sharks in New York City
Lawmakers, labor workers speak out against MTA's congestion pricing plan
Over 120 exemption requests from congestion pricing, would carve out virtually everyone
2023 NYC True Cost of Living Report
Report finds 50% of New York City working-age households don't earn enough to meet basic needs
NYC Congestion Pricing Expected To Effect Out-Of-Town Broadway Ticket Sales
Driving into midtown Manhattan could cost $23 in NYC congestion pricing model