The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) issued a news release yesterday afternoon heralding its “historic” activation of America’s first congestion pricing program.
MTA noted that traffic volume in the Manhattan congestion zone is part of the reason for New York City’s first-place ranking among the most congested cities in the world. Yet, central Manhattan is also “the most transit-rich area in the United States, with 94 subway stations, 99 MTA bus routes and 2,500 regional/commuter trains per day.” For that reason, MTA is betting that vehicle tolling will lead to 80,000 fewer vehicles entering the zone each day, “resulting in less traffic, cleaner air, and safer streets, while providing $15 billion in funding for critical transit investments to improve the lives of the millions of people who rely on the MTA every day.”
New York State DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez commented, “The implementation of congestion pricing is historic — helping reduce congestion in our Central Business District allowing for safer streets, while providing much needed resources to New York City’s transportation and transit systems while improving air quality for millions of New Yorkers and visitors.”
The MTA news release summarizes the program promises alluded to by the commissioner. A separate news release advised motorists of the steps they need to take to ensure they are properly tolled.