NYT: Congestion Charging Approaches "Moment of Truth"
With the deadline for $354m in federal matching funds for New York City congestion charging (CG) looming (April 7), the New York Times ongoing support for the plan is approaching fever pitch. In the ironically titled Op Ed " Moment of Truth on Congestion Pricing," the Old Gray Lady argues that "The only way to ensure the [City's mass transit] system will continue to work is to move forward on congestion pricing." In the lead up to this "do or die" conclusion, the Times' rhetoric [once again] flies in the face of the facts. "What it [the M.T.A.] needs is a reliable source of income. As London and Stockholm have discovered, congestion pricing could provide that— and cleaner air and less gridlock." Anyway, "the M.T.A. has developed detailed plans for that money, including providing express buses to the outer boroughs where resistance is strongest." Nice. And what about poor people who have to drive into the City? "One sensible proposal would allow those drivers to apply for rebates on their applications for the Earned Income Tax Credit." Fortunately for opponents of the NYC CG, the Governor who supported the plan didn't confine his enthusiasm for prostitution to his political career.
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A solution to constipations, uhmm, congestions. All cars have colours, prohibit each day a different colour of cars to be driven. the good part is, that it will be easy to notice violators, as they will shine out in the streets as `not fitting` for today. i would like to see the `No yellow` day for New york.
I too was thinking "hmmm, beginning of a recession is a GREAT time to add a huge tax that stifles business (shopping, commuting, etc.)"
Well we certainly can't have those people who drive into the city for the sheer joy of it continue to do so. This plan will definitely get them off the roads.
What is really going on is that the MTA has PENSIONS they have to pay for. The money is not going to used for anything to do with "service". They'll show you the empty bank account for the services and upgrades but neglect to explain that all the money coming in is going to the retirees.