The decision was made by the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), with an 11-1 vote in favor of imposing the toll….reports Asian Lite News
Traveling in New York City is already expensive, but commuters are facing an additional financial burden with the approval of a controversial $15 toll. The toll, set to take effect in mid-June, targets motorists entering the busiest parts of Manhattan, aiming to encourage the use of public transportation and alleviate traffic congestion, ultimately reducing pollution levels.
The decision was made by the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), with an 11-1 vote in favor of imposing the toll. If implemented, this toll will mark a significant milestone, being the first of its kind in any American city. Similar toll schemes have been successfully implemented in cities like London, Stockholm, and Singapore.
However, before the toll can be implemented, it requires federal approval, and infrastructure for toll collection needs to be established. Under the proposed toll structure, passenger and small commercial vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street from Queens, Brooklyn, and neighboring New Jersey will be charged $15 during the day and $3.75 at night.
Trucks and sightseeing buses will face higher fees ranging from $24 to $36 during the day and lower fees at night. Additionally, taxis and rideshare apps like Uber will be authorized to charge passengers $1.25 and $2.50 per trip, respectively, into the congestion zone.
Despite the MTA’s readiness for implementation, criticism of the toll is mounting, especially from commuters already burdened with high travel costs. Several lawsuits have been initiated in opposition to the toll. Nevertheless, the MTA remains determined, with plans to utilize the revenue generated to enhance subway stations, modernize signals, and expand transit systems, aiming to combat congestion while investing in public transportation infrastructure.
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