cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25858499
Summary
NYC’s congestion pricing program, launched Jan 5 after Biden administration approval, faces new threats from the Trump administration.
Governor Kathy Hochul vows to keep the toll scanners active, deeming Trump’s effort and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s order an attack on the city.
The MTA swiftly filed a legal complaint to uphold the $9 toll, citing reduced traffic and critical funding for mass transit.
Legal experts warn the Trump administration faces an uphill legal battle.
Honestly, that’s acceptable. The point of it isn’t collecting revenue; the point is disincentivizing driving into the city. Even if Trump’s feds steal the money, if drivers are still getting charged it’s still a success.
Hey I’m all for it, it’s already reduced car traffic by 10%, reduced smog in lower Manhattan, increased foot traffic and mass transit usage, it’s nothing but a win, for everyone (who isn’t criminally lazy), I say keep the scanners and toll active for as long as possible, Fuck Donald Trump
But won’t someone think about the poor wealthy NJ drivers who can’t drive to their favorite downtown Manhattan chain restaurant now without paying a few bucks ;____;
/s
Being very fond of The Great State of New Jersey, Phil embarrassed us all
We also need to fund transit
I’m not a New Yorker and don’t know if that’s part of how it got sold to the public, but NYC already has transit and has presumably been funding it, so I would expect any congestion pricing revenue to just be a bonus.
The toll is definitely intended to collect money. Reduction in congestion is a side effect. MTA is in a huge budget deficit. The tolling (and subsequent bonding) would fund them entirely.