New York Rejects Congestion Pricing

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg watched his plan to ease Manhattan congestion die today, as the Democratic assembly rejected the idea in a closed-door meeting.

The plan would have charged drivers $8 to enter certain parts of Manhattan during peak hours in hopes of clearing some of the perpetually traffic-clogged streets. Bloomberg's plan had the support of many civic and environmental groups, as well as a number of Republicans. According to The New York Times, the Democrats' opposition mostly reflects the feelings of their constituents, who hate the idea of being charged money to drive in their own neighborhoods.

As one Assemblyman put it, "the word 'elitist' came up a number of times."

While the plan has been floating around for a number of years, congestion pricing lasted only a matter of months in the public sphere. Looks like it's back to the drawing board for Bloomberg and his supporters.

Congestion Pricing Plan is Dead, Assembly Speaker Says (The New York Times)

Comments

[Juan Carlos]

knowing te amount of gas and time one will waste alone keeps people away.

[Ali Sherman]

There is hope in this world. This horrible law would have been a debacle. How dare Bloomberg come up with this idiotic idea. He should spend our tax money on getting buses that dont pollute our atmosphere instead of giving his "friends" our hard earned money in the marketing world millions to advertise that smoking is bad for you. Or he could give his salary to pay for these changes he wants to make. He wants. I pay enough taxes already. NY residents are overtaxed as is. Next they should rescind what they are overcharging for the bridges and tunnels. ENOUGH.