New York congestion plan may toll drivers as much as $23 per journey

Aug. 10 (UPI) — A protracted-anticipated environmental evaluation launched Wednesday morning may lastly pave the way in which for congestion pricing in Manhattan.

Relying on the ultimate model, the plan would toll drivers anyplace from $9 to $23 to drive into town’s Central Enterprise District in Manhattan. Motorists touring beneath sixtieth Road could be charged a toll electronically.

Business automobile and truck tolls would vary from $12 to $82.

Taxis and pool automobiles would proceed paying the present $2.50 or $2.75 payment to enter Manhattan, in addition to the brand new congestion cost.

There are eight million every day journeys made to and from the district, in response to New York Metropolis’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Income is estimated at $1 billion yearly. Cash generated would go in the direction of borrowing for capital enhancements to the MTA’s subway and bus techniques. This system can be meant to discourage folks from driving.

In most situations, peak tolling would run from 6 a.m. to eight p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

The environmental evaluation discovered the plan may lower truck site visitors anyplace from 21% to 81%.

The environmental evaluation examined seven completely different potential tolling situations, a few of which embody numerous exemptions and ranging toll charges.

Drivers on the FDR Drive, West Facet Freeway, or floor streets connecting to these roads could be exempt from any tolls.

The MTA hopes to implement the tolls by the top of subsequent yr or early 2024.