It’s an concept from New York so despised and disastrous it begs the apparent query: can Boston be far behind?
Congestion pricing – the euphemism pushed by liberal Democrats and woke environmentalists to toll automobiles coming into the massive metropolis – was simply launched in Manhattan this week, inflicting concern and chaos amongst commuters there with gridlock and parking nightmares.
Many motorists seeking to keep away from the $9 tax are anticipated to ditch their automobiles in New Jersey and surrounding boroughs, turning the clogged streets into parking heaps.
Critics declare the plan – which is backed by transit advocates and Democrats in Massachusetts – will carry extra noise and air air pollution to their neighborhoods and are suing to forestall the town from adopting it.
“My constituents who still have no real public transit connection to Manhattan are looking forward to treating the posh, transit-rich, gentrified, brownstone Brooklyn as their new park-and-ride,” New York Metropolis Councilor Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island) advised the New York Put up.
The toll is dearer throughout peak congestion occasions, and cheaper throughout in a single day visits to Manhattan.
Supporters of the toll, which was delayed for months by authorized challenges, wish to push commuters into taking the crime-ridden subway as an alternative of driving, however that appears overly optimistic.
The truth is most commuters will scour the crowded streets outdoors Manhattan for prized parking spots to save lots of a couple of dollars.
New York mayoral candidate Jim Walden mentioned of the toll backers: “My friends on the far left really don’t care about the outer boroughs. They’re creating less congestion in Manhattan and more congestion everywhere else.”
Regardless of the issues, some are making a giant push for Boston to undertake congestion pricing like New York’s to discourage individuals from driving into the town.
Are you able to think about Massachusetts commuters dropping their automobiles off in Brookline or Revere or Somerville and counting on the unreliable MBTA every single day to get to work in Boston?
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has mentioned she’s open to congestion pricing right here, elevating fears that the costly toll might move the clueless Legislature and clown present Boston Metropolis Council.
“I think all tools should be on the table, including congestion pricing,” Wu mentioned in June.
Boston’s site visitors is among the many worst within the nation, making it a super goal for congestion pricing advocates. The tolls would go towards enhancements within the T.
However Gov. Maura Healey earlier this 12 months shot down an concept by her personal transportation secretary to suggest new tolls on state highways main into Massachusetts.
“I am focused on affordability, I am focused on competitiveness,” she mentioned. “I’m not putting tolls at the border.”
Boston Metropolis Councilor Ed Flynn final 12 months wrote an opinion piece slamming congestion pricing.
“It will further burden middle-class families, disproportionately impact communities of color, and further strain a struggling transportation system,” Flynn wrote.
However that hasn’t stopped the council – now headed by liberal Ruthzee Louijeune – from taking a more in-depth take a look at the congestion pricing plan.
And don’t be stunned if the council pushes the plan now that New York has stupidly taken the leap.
