Congestion Pricing Hits Roadblock in Albany

The congestion pricing scheme has hit a roadblock, but it isn't completely dead. Mayor Bloomberg (I-NYC) continues to push for a plan, while Speaker Silver (D-NYC) thinks that the idea needs to be studied further before it can be approved. Part of the problem is that the Legislature wants to retain some control over the money, and doesn't like the fact that New York City wants to engage in a bit of revenue enhancement that doesn't go to the rest of the state.

The congestion pricing scheme, which is nothing more than a tax on commuters into Manhattan, would hit commuters hard for driving in to Manhattan, while areas directly outside the zone would be hit hard with additional traffic, congestion, and pollution. Commuters who are in areas that are underserved by mass transit would have no options but to pay the tax or seek work elsewhere. That's a hard hit on the regional economy, which already has one of the higher gas taxes in the country.

There are currently a number of bridges and tunnels enabling access to Manhattan. Some are toll routes, while several are free. This congestion pricing plan essentially makes all bridges toll routes - including such free bridges as the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg, 59th Street (Queensboro), and the Willis Avenue. Bridges and tunnels that already have tolls into Manhattan, and operated by the Port Authority and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, would have their tolls increased to cover the congestion pricing portion during the portion of the day when the congestion pricing scheme is in effect.

UPDATE:
Mayor Bloomberg is quite upset at the failure to get the congestion pricing plan rammed through without serious consideration of how it is implemented. When your best argument for the plan being approved in Albany is "trust us", I have every reason to believe that there is no reason to do so. Bloomberg also claims that the failure will bring about more pollution in Manhattan. That's possible, but it also means less pollution in those areas where the traffic would be redirected to find parking to avoid the congestion pricing tax.

Although we continue to talk to the Legislature and the Governor, it’s sad to note that after 3 months of working with all parties to address their questions, the failure of the State Assembly to act in time on a deadline imposed by the federal Government is a terrible setback for clean air and to our critical commitment to fight climate change.

Bloomberg is a firm adherent to the whole notion of androgenic global warming, but set that aside and the idea of reducing pollutants is a worthy one. This tax will not reduce pollution and it will simply empty the pockets of commuters coming into Manhattan for vague promises of improved mass transit and reduced pollution. Indeed, it will likely only shift where the pollution is released, along with the traffic.

They're still negotiating on some kind of deal on congestion pricing so stay tuned.