Photo credit: jimmy teoh
by Arline L. Bronzaft, Ph.D., Board of Directors, GrowNYC, Co-founder, The Quiet Coalition, and Honorary Chair, Quiet American Skies
This week, the Columbia Climate School published an article titled: “How Congestion Pricing Will Benefit New York City.” In this article, author Jeremy Hinsdale reports that after years of discussion concerning congestion pricing, the program has finally been introduced in New York City.
The plan imposes tolls on drivers who enter the city below 60th Street. Officials hope drivers will be discouraged by the extra fare and turn to public transit instead. The end result? Fewer cars in New York City, less traffic, less air pollution and less traffic noise. Hinsdale added that “chronic noise pollution from traffic can be more than just an annoyance.” Also, congestion pricing funds are slated to benefit public transit.
When London instituted a similar tolling program, particulate matter decreased. We also learn that when similar program were introduced in cities like Stockholm and London, people who initially opposed the program were soon pleased with its benefits, including cleaner air and quieter streets.
However, President Trump announced on Feb. 19 that he intends to revoke the approval of congestion pricing. U.S Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy told Gov. Kathy Hochul that Trump wants the program to end. There are also many public officials in New York City who are opposed to congestion pricing.
I know many New Yorkers are displeased by this news. At this point, we will have to wait and see what happens.
