City’s $15 congestion fee blasted by expert as ‘pointless’ with more downsides than benefits, it ‘targets wrong drivers’
NEW York City’s new $15 congestion toll is pointless and unfairly hits poorer people the most, traffic tech experts have warned.
They’ve urged lawmakers to replace it with an AI-run system that saves time and money amid a legal battle over the hated tax.
GettyMotorists driving through Manhattan’s central business district from June 30 should expect to stump up $15, say transit officials[/caption]
FOX 5 NYThere is anger over the new levy, with New Yorkers Against Congestion Pricing Tax, a coalition of residents, launching a lawsuit, being heard at federal court in Manhattan[/caption]
LYTCongestion pricing has more downsides than benefits, warned LYT CEO Tim Menard.[/caption]
NYC’s congestion pricing program is expected to swell city coffers by a whopping billion dollars annually.
Drivers will be slugged $15, while motorcyclists will have to fork out $7.50 to enter the Congestion Relief Zone, which covers Manhattan south of 60th Street. The scheme starts on June 30, 2024.
The introduction of the hefty toll is today being fought in a legal battle in federal court.
A Manhattan judge is hearing arguments in a series of lawsuits.
These have been lodged by unionized public school teachers, local Republican officials and other New Yorkers fighting to block the levy.
PITFALLS
But, there is an alternative to the scheme, according to LYT, a transportation technology firm based in San Jose, California.
“Congestion pricing has more downsides than benefits,” said CEO Tim Menard.
And with NYC’s congestion tax expected to be rolled out to other cities, he warned of the “inequitable system’s many pitfalls.”
Menard said that residents on a low income would suffer a double-whammy shock.
This is because not only will they suffer from increased air pollution pumped out by rerouted traffic going past their homes, but they will also struggle to afford the huge charges.
GettyNew York City has gridlocked roads – but it is on track to become the first U.S. city with congestion tolls on drivers entering its central business district[/caption]
“This tax affects the poor more than the rich – there is no equity – billionaires living in expensive parts of Manhattan are not going to be hit as much, particularly given the cost of living crisis in the US,” he said.
The congestion will also result in spiralling costs to shift goods and services to and from shops and businesses in the centre of NYC – which will be passed on to residents, he warned.
KINDER ALTERNATIVE NEEDED
Poorer residents trying to avoid traveling through the congestion zone will also be disadvantaged, as they’ll likely spend more time in traffic, not to mention more cash on fuel, Menard added.
“A lot of cities and municipalities we have been working with so far are embracing alternative approaches on congestion issues.
“And they are a bit more progressive in their thinking to embrace advanced technology as opposed to just taxing people.
“There is so much more that can go into transport planning rather than restrict people.
“There is also a way to avoid hurting the disadvantaged… who tend to travel more into commercial and industrial areas to work.
LYTWith machine learning algorithms in place, LYT’s platform continuously learns traffic patterns – to benefit buses traveling through cities[/caption]
“New AI-based technology has already been deployed and working to reduce traffic congestion in some of America’s most densely populated areas in the country.
“It’s specifically designed to help move buses through busy corridors, and it has been effectively used to improve response times for emergency vehicles.
“The new technology can be a very budget-friendly installation for cities.
“And it works to improve traffic flow for all commuters, not just buses.”
HELPING EMERGENCY HEROES
Lyt’s cutting-edge traffic system is already being used to aid the smooth flow of buses and emergency vehicles in California, Washington, Oregon and Massachusetts.
The Fremont Fire Department in Fremont, California, for example, wanted to improve response times across the congested center by 62% – particularly as roads have been getting narrower.
This congestion tax affects the poor more than the rich – there is no equity.
Tim MenardCEO, LYT
Batallion chief Kyle Adams said there was no place for drivers to pull over to let their fire trucks pass.
“LYT’s system has been a game changer because it’s predicting the route and it’s clearing out traffic before you can even see it,” he said.
LYT’s system is based on algorithms, with its platform continuously learning traffic patterns.
By optimizing traffic lights at intersections, emergency vehicles can get through congested intersections faster and safer.
LIGHT PATTERNS
“We don’t do congestion pricing – we work with cities overseeing the more effective working of their public services,” said Menard.
“We set up traffic lights to give buses more green lights to make them work more effectively and efficiently.
“It’s real-time optimization based on bus schedules, and where they are going.”
LYTThe new AI-based tech has been effectively used to improve response times for emergency vehicles in the US[/caption]
The system even works out when pedestrians are likely to be crossing busy roads to catch their bus.
“We can change pedestrian crossing light patterns to allow for more people to get on the bus, particularly if they’re at the intersection, about to catch a bus,” he said.
COMFORT IN DRIVING
The average American driver lost 51 hours to congestion in 2022.
This is 15 hours more than in 2021, costing an estimated $869 in lost time on top of fuel costs surging 32 percent, according to transportation analysts INRIX.
Menard said that NYC shouldn’t be trying to force people into using public transport, particularly if it’s not practical, or they don’t feel 100 percent safe.
“When you are in a car, there is a different mindset – it’s a sense of home, there is a comfort there,” he added.
“It’s also a safety issue for those who want to avoid using public transport.”
What is New York City's congestion pricing program?
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is the agency overseeing the congestion fee
A hefty toll will be charged on drivers entering much of traffic-choked Manhattan in a US-first. The MTA has said it intends to launch the fee June 30.
Most drivers in private cars, including locals and tourists, heading into Manhattan south of Central Park will pay about $15 during the daytime.
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
Congestion pricing opt-out:
An estimated 26,000 drivers are exempt from the tolls.
The city’s fleet of vehicles – including police cars, first responders, and parks and recreation vehicles – will not be charged to use lower Manhattan roads.
Bus drivers who have contracted with the education department will also avoid the fees.
The toll does not apply to drivers on FDR Drive, West Side Highway, or the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connecting to West Street.
Public employees who drive passenger cars into work will pay the tolls.
New York will next month become the first U.S. city with congestion tolls on drivers entering its central business district.
Members of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board in March voted to press ahead with the levy.
Supporters of the new tolls said it would push more people to use public transport.
They also claimed it would help reduce congestion, to speed up public buses and emergency vehicles, reduce pollution, and raise funds needed to improve the subway system.
AIR POLLUTION FEARS
It is predicted to raise $1 billion annually to fund public transportation for the city’s four million daily riders.
But the scheme sparked a backlash from some residents, and the launch of the New Yorkers Against Congestion Pricing Tax campaign group.
It has filed a citywide class-action lawsuit, according to an online fundraising page via GoFundMe.
The group said the levy had been pushed through without enough assessment as to impacts, including on the environment.
“Rerouting traffic patterns will increase air pollution in other areas occupied by fixed and low income residents such as those living near the Cross Bronx Expressway,” the group said.
“The hunt for parking will increase around many transit stations throughout the city, resulting in more congestion, noise and increased air pollution in those neighborhoods.”
Meanwhile small businesses in the congestion zone will face higher operating costs and fewer customers, campaigners have warned.
REDUCE TRAFFIC
The MTA maintains it has conducted extensive environmental reviews.
The fee would help reduce traffic and improve regional air quality by discouraging driving into Manhattan, it added.
The lawsuit is being considered by Judge Lewis Liman.
But he isn’t expected to issue a decision immediately after Friday’s daylong hearing.
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