Another Reason NOT To Drive In New York City

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

23 Apr 2007 01:22 PM

If you thought parking in New York City was expensive (brace yourself) be prepared to dig just as deep for the privilege of merely driving into the most congested part of Manhattan. If city leaders get their way motorists will have to fork over a bit of green because the city's mayor wants to go "green."

According to a proposal outlined by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the plan to charge motorists stems from the boom in population and the affect it's having on the environment.

"Let's face up to the fact that our population growth is putting our city on a collision course with the environment, which itself is growing more unstable and uncertain," Bloomberg told local news reporters.

Cue the critics.

If you happened to catch any of today's morning news programs or other mid-morning chat fests, including "Live with Regis and Kelly" and "The View," then you likely heard bantering about the proposal's most controversial idea. City officials want to charge motorists for driving into Manhattan below 86th Street on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Trucks would be charged $21 a day and cars would be charged $8 (and that's not counting parking, which can set you back the amount of money it takes to feed a family of four at the Olive Garden-IF you can even find a spot).

But, according to Bloomberg, the plan would reduce traffic and pollution while generating money for other transit projects. One city official estimated the Big Apple would rake in nearly $400 million in just the first year if the proposal becomes reality.

Not surprisingly, the idea (known as congestion pricing) is being hailed by environmentalists. (A similar system in London, which was initiated in 2003, has significantly reduced traffic congestion.) But, whether or not it gains the support from legislators who live in the suburbs remains to be seen (the proposal needs the support of a majority of lawmakers throughout New York because it must be enacted by the state legislature).

And, you can bet it's going to be met with resistance by organizations like the American Trucking Association. (Think about all those Manhattan offices that use FedEx and UPS services).

I have family members who live in New York, but whenever we visit we take the train in. I don't think I have ever seen the city from the backseat of a car (unless it was a cab). How about you? Do you drive in the city much? How do you feel about the new proposal?

Related Articles:

Robotic Parking in New York

Say So Long To Parking Tickets

Subway Stories

Taxis With TVs-Not A Bad Way To Travel

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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mcmama (51978) 23 Apr 2007 02:35 PM

It's a dumb idea and will not go further than talk. It really slams the outer boros, whose residents already pay ridiculous tolls and parking. Same for northern NJ where there is no rail connection and you depend on busses or long train rides to hubs that are far away from where you need to connect to, and long island as well for the same reason. Would be different if mass transit were a better option, but it just doesn't work.

Also, a tax on trucks who make deliveries and taxi drivers will just drive the cost of living in Manhattan up for everyone. He should find a better long term solution.

mcmama (51978) 23 Apr 2007 02:38 PM

BTW, I would rather drive in Manhattan than in northern NJ, and often take the car in when we are there for a visit. After 9/11 and the power blackout (we were there for the blackout) I want several options available to me for getting out of the city as quickly as possible. During the blackout, the car was the best option.

Valorie Delp (49340) 23 Apr 2007 06:28 PM

Oh boy (read dripping in monotone voice) I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to not only get to pay $8 to get into the city not to mention the fact that all those extra people "greening up" the city are going to go where? On the subway train? Oh yeah--because there's tons of room right now. I mean when we get on the train as a family after gymnastics on a Wednesday night. . .everyone just stands right up so the little kids can sit. . .there's THAT much room. (Continue to read dripping sarchasm while rolling your eyes)

WHAT A DUMB IDEA!!!

Michele Cheplic (37349) 24 Apr 2007 06:42 AM

Two votes for "dumb idea." I'm not surprised. I don't envy the people who HAVE to drive in as it is. Thanks for the comments ladies!