Jan 13, 2025, 11:01 PM
Jan 12, 2025, 12:00 AM

PATH fare hike ignites outrage after congestion pricing rollout

Highlights
  • Congestion pricing in New York City started charging vehicles on January 5, 2025.
  • Traffic volumes in Manhattan's central business district have decreased by 7.5% since the program began.
  • The congestion pricing plan is expected to improve travel times and encourage public transit use, but political opposition persists.
Story

In the United States, New York City's congestion pricing program commenced on January 5, 2025. This initiative aims to decrease the number of vehicles entering the congested areas of Manhattan, specifically below 60th Street, by imposing a toll of $9 during peak hours for passenger vehicles. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reported a 7.5% reduction in traffic volumes in the central business district following the implementation of this program. Anecdotal evidence suggests improved travel times, particularly for buses and crossings between Manhattan and New Jersey, with reports of 30-40% faster travel times. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has proposed a 'reverse congestion pricing' toll in response to New York City's controversial tolls, arguing it could generate revenue to improve New Jersey's public transit system. His suggestion includes establishing toll sites near bridges and tunnels to discourage traffic from entering New Jersey and simultaneously support funding for mass transit improvements in the state. Mayor Fulop's proposal emphasizes the need for more investment in New Jersey Transit, which has faced significant operational challenges. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump expressed support for ending New York City's congestion pricing plan during a meeting with Republican members of Congress. His comments highlighted ongoing political discussions about the implications of state and local taxes that burden New Yorkers while expressing a desire to alleviate traffic issues in Manhattan. This political discourse reflects broader concerns about urban congestion and transportation management in major US cities. Alongside this, PATH train fare increases were implemented after the first week of congestion pricing. These fare hikes were attributed to inflation and the financial hit experienced during the COVID pandemic, marking the first increase since 2014. While the new congestion pricing is aimed at addressing traffic congestion and promoting public transit use, the overall implications remain a topic of ongoing debate within New York and New Jersey.

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