WEB DESK: The US’s first car congestion fee has been instituted in the state of New York. Car drivers will pay a maximum of $9 ($7) per day, while prices will vary depending on vehicle kinds.
It is a designated zone of congestion from South Central Park and includes landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the financial district around Wall Street.
The idea was to solve what is called New York’s world-famous traffic jam and raise billions for a public transport system, but mostly in the face of opposition that includes even celebrities such as New Yorker, and President-elect Donald Trump.
It is two years since New York state Governor Kathy Hochul called for a congestion charge, but they got delayed revaluation after an outcry from some commuters and businesses.
The latest plan revives one such scheme that she put on hold in June, claiming “too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers”.
Most will pay a charge of $9 per day if entering the congestion zone during peak hours and $2.25 at other times.
In peak hours, the charge for entering Manhattan is $14.40 for small trucks and non-commuter buses, while the amount goes up to $21.60 for larger trucks and tourist buses.
The charge has so far attracted a good deal of opposition, including from taxi drivers’ associations.
But it has received the greatest focus from Trump, whose roots are in New York and who has promised to kill it once back in the office this month.
Local Republicans have already started trying to woo him.
Rep. Mike Lawler from a suburban district just north of New York City, confronted Trump in November about getting into “ending this absurd congestion pricing cash grab once and for all.”
Rights have been denied to neighboring New Jersey’s state officials in last-minute complaints Friday on grounds of environmental impact on adjoining areas.
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