Controversial new charge will see car owners forced to pay $15 on certain roads – but 6 types of drivers are unaffected | 6503BIK | 2024-05-02 12:08:01
Controversial new charge will see car owners forced to pay $15 on certain roads – but 6 types of drivers are unaffected | 6503BIK | 2024-05-02 12:08:01
THE nation's first-ever congestion pricing tolls are set to roll out in months – but six types of drivers will be able to avoid the fees if they fill out the proper paperwork.
New York City's congestion pricing program is expected to bring in millions of dollars for the metro's ailing public transit system. Thousands of drivers are eligible to escape the impending fees.
Complimentary passes are available to some public works vehicles.
Emergency vehicles, buses with regular public routes or school contracts, and other specialized city vehicles are exempt from the congestion toll.
Passenger cars with disabled occupants and low-income riders may be eligible for free or reduced tolls.
Bus companies with consistent routes in the city, like Megabus and the Hampton Jitney, are also eligible for free toll programs.
Drivers can check their eligibility with this new portal.
INSIDE THE PRICING
New York City is launching the pricing program to encourage public transit ridership and generate investment in the subway system.
The city's public transit relies on decades-old technology with miles of lines that may need replacement.
Drivers will pay the tolls on streets south of Manhattan's 60th street.
The city will collect bills through the driver's E-ZPass transmitter systems.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> Drivers without E-ZPass systems installed in their cars will be charged extra fees.
The pricing program will launch on June 30, bringing the new toll to residents, delivery drivers, and rideshares in the city.
Here are the range of pricing options laid out by the MTA:
- Passenger cars will pay $15 during the day
- Drivers will pay $3.75 at night
- Motorcycles will pay $7.50 during the day and $1.75 at night
- Trucks pay between $24-36 during the day and $6-9 at night
- Ride-hailing apps will charge $2.50 more and taxi riders will pay an additional $1.25
</div> </div> CONTROVERSY COST
The city has conducted years of environmental, traffic, and transit reviews before the congestion pricing monitors mounted over New York City streets.
The studies anticipate the policy will generate a $1 billion windfall directed at public policy programs throughout the city.
Dozens of city officials have said the traffic limitation system will solve dozens of problems, including parking shortages, localized carbon emmissions, and emergency response times.
"Crosstown now, traffic moves at walking speed," Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, a strong proponent for the pricing tolls, according to CBS News.
"It's slowing police response, fire response."
However, dozens of city and state officials have joined a spate of drivers, sounding off against the controversial policies.
"This is far from over, and we will continue to fight this blatant cash grab," New Jersey's Governor, Phil Murphy, said about the program.
New Jersey filed a class-action lawsuit against the Transportation Department and the Federal Highway Administration, hoping to block the implementation of the fees.
Dozens of drivers have joined protests at public information meetings about the policies.
"Adding this toll adds another $3,600 to my commute bill," a driver complained at a city council meeting, according to New York Fox affiliate WNYN.
"The MTA is a money pit," a taxi driver complained in a recent meeting.
More >> https://ift.tt/3X2D8WB Source: MAG NEWS
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