New York City drivers will be the first in the nation to pay cordon congestion pricing, beginning in 2020. The pricing plan is intended to reduce traffic by charging drivers who enter the city’s business district. Cordon pricing charges drivers to enter a congested area. While other U.S. cities have variably priced lanes and facilities to control congestion, New York City is the first to implement cordon pricing.
New York City has some of the most congested streets in the country. The gridlock is especially challenging for emergency vehicles that maneuver through the city to save lives and respond to crises.
The exact price point is still undecided, but the once-a-day charge is predicted to raise $1 billion each year for public transportation.
Supporters laud the plan for tackling congestion and addressing subway breakdowns while others who work in the area consider the cost to their businesses.
Rocky Karla, a delivery service owner, told national publication, The Guardian, that the charge will force him to raise prices for his customers. “They’re saying it’s going to help in lowering the congestion,” he said. “I don’t think so because everyone has to come here.”
While the plan will hit drivers in the city, who are generally wealthier than transit riders, residents inside the toll-zone will receive a credit if they make less than $60,000 per year, to reduce the burden.
Congested cities around the world have implemented similar plans to ease traffic and air quality. London, Singapore, Milan are other large metropolitan areas that charge for passing into heavily traveled areas.
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