The Rise and Fall of Congestion Pricing in New York
6Digest
This episode of The Daily explores the rise and fall of congestion pricing in New York City. The plan, which would have charged drivers a fee to enter a designated zone in Manhattan, was initially met with resistance but gained momentum in 2017 when Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed using the revenue to fund subway repairs. The plan was approved in 2023, with tolls set to begin on June 30th. However, Governor Kathy Hochul, who had previously been a strong supporter of congestion pricing, announced an indefinite pause on the program, citing economic concerns and the potential for political backlash from suburban voters. The decision has left many questioning the future of congestion pricing in New York City and its potential for implementation in other US cities. The episode also discusses the implications of the pause on the funding for the city's subway system and the fate of the millions of dollars spent on installing cameras and sensors for the program.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode's topic: the rise and fall of congestion pricing in New York City. It sets the stage by describing the city's traffic congestion and the history of congestion pricing proposals. The episode also introduces the key players involved, including Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
The Origins of Congestion Pricing
This Chapter delves into the history of congestion pricing in New York City, explaining how the idea emerged as a solution to traffic congestion and the challenges it faced over the years. It highlights the city's reliance on public transit and the potential benefits of reducing car traffic, such as cleaner air and faster bus travel. The chapter also discusses the financial rationale behind congestion pricing, with the revenue intended to fund subway repairs.
Governor Hochul's Decision
This Chapter focuses on Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to indefinitely pause congestion pricing. It explores her initial support for the program and her subsequent shift in stance, citing economic concerns and the potential for political backlash from suburban voters. The chapter also examines the potential implications of the pause on the funding for the city's subway system and the fate of the infrastructure already installed for the program.
Keywords
Congestion Pricing
Congestion pricing is a transportation policy that charges drivers a fee to enter a designated area during peak hours. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion by discouraging driving and encouraging the use of public transportation. It has been implemented in cities around the world, including London, Singapore, and Stockholm.
Kathy Hochul
Kathy Hochul is the current governor of New York State. She took office in 2021 after the resignation of Andrew Cuomo. Hochul has been a vocal supporter of congestion pricing, but she recently announced an indefinite pause on the program, citing economic concerns and the potential for political backlash from suburban voters.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is a public authority responsible for public transportation in New York City and its surrounding areas. The MTA operates the city's subway system, buses, commuter railroads, and other transportation services. Congestion pricing was intended to generate revenue for the MTA to fund subway repairs.
Subway System
The New York City Subway is the largest rapid transit system in the world by number of stations and route miles. It is a vital part of the city's transportation infrastructure, carrying millions of passengers daily. The subway system has been facing significant challenges in recent years, including aging infrastructure, service disruptions, and funding shortages. Congestion pricing was intended to provide a dedicated funding stream for subway repairs.
Suburban Voters
Suburban voters are a significant demographic group in New York State. They are often seen as swing voters, and their support is crucial for both Democrats and Republicans. In recent elections, Republicans have been successful in mobilizing suburban voters by focusing on issues such as crime and taxes. Governor Hochul's decision to pause congestion pricing was partly motivated by concerns about potential backlash from suburban voters.
Q&A
What is congestion pricing and how was it supposed to work in New York City?
Congestion pricing is a policy that charges drivers a fee to enter a designated area during peak hours. In New York City, the plan was to charge drivers a fee to enter a zone south of 60th Street in Manhattan. The revenue generated was intended to fund repairs to the city's subway system.
Why did Governor Hochul decide to pause congestion pricing?
Governor Hochul cited economic concerns and the potential for political backlash from suburban voters as reasons for pausing congestion pricing. She argued that the program could harm the city's economic recovery and that it could alienate suburban voters who are crucial for Democrats in upcoming elections.
What are the potential implications of the pause on congestion pricing for the city's subway system?
The pause on congestion pricing means that the city will lose a significant source of funding for subway repairs. This could lead to further delays in repairs and potentially worsen the condition of the subway system.
What is the future of congestion pricing in New York City?
The future of congestion pricing in New York City is uncertain. Governor Hochul has called the pause indefinite, suggesting that it could be a permanent decision. However, some advocates for the program remain hopeful that it could be revived in the future.
What are the broader implications of the decision to pause congestion pricing for other US cities considering similar policies?
The decision to pause congestion pricing in New York City could have a chilling effect on other US cities considering similar policies. It highlights the political challenges and potential backlash that can arise from implementing congestion pricing, even in cities with significant traffic congestion and a need for transportation funding.
Show Notes
On Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York announced that she was indefinitely halting a project that had been decades in the making: congestion pricing in Manhattan’s core business district.
Ana Ley, who covers mass transit in New York City, and Grace Ashford, who covers politics in New York, discuss why New York hit the brakes on congestion pricing.
Guest:
- Ana Ley, who covers mass transit in New York City for The New York Times.
- Grace Ashford, a reporter covering New York government and politics for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- How Ms. Hochul decided to kill congestion pricing in New York.
- Is New York’s Economy too fragile for congestion pricing? Many say no.
- How would congestion pricing have worked in New York City?
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Table of contents
United States
Really interesting in London the zone argument is about an inevitable environmental change. Some more advanced countries are designing carless cities. I was shocked on my last 2 visits to the states to see the extent of air con and massive single driver vehicles. If you must focus on financial arguments is anyone calculating the revenue from more passengers taking the metro as a consequence of the zone?