US: NYC ‘Congestion Pricing’ Receives Mixed Reactions

New York launched the ‘First US Congestion Charge’ to deal with the traffic and improve transit.

The move is planned to alleviate the city’s traffic woes and also generate billions for public transit. As per the scheme, car drivers will pay up to $9 daily to enter the congestion zone south of Central Park, covering the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Wall Street.

Small trucks and non-commuter buses will be charged $14.40 during peak hours, while larger trucks and tourist buses face a $21.60 fee. Off-peak car charges drop to $2.25. The move was opposed by various groups like taxi associations and even the President-elect Donald Trump. However, it went forward to improve the city’s transportation infrastructure.

Also, the plan is expected to persuade more drivers to leave their cars at home and to take mass transit.

Many drivers, business owners, and residents expressed mixed feelings after the first morning rush hour under New York City’s congestion pricing plan. For now, the traffic appears to be moving slightly faster than it was earlier along most major roads.