US Federal Support for NYC Traffic Plan
A novel scheme by New York City to implement a daily toll on vehicles entering or lingering in its central business district has received a major push. On Monday, the US Department of Transportation asserted that the city had accurately gauged how this congestion charge could positively affect the environment.
Addressing Environmental Impact Concerns
The department's Federal Highway Administration has proclaimed that the intended change will have no notable environmental repercussions. Therefore, it concluded that a more in-depth environmental examination was not required.
Progression Towards Implementing the Plan
This clearance allows the plan's backers to push forward their application to the US agency's Value Pricing Pilot Program. This initiative, as stated by the FHA, "offers transportation agencies with solutions to control congestion via tolling and other pricing methods."
Political Opposition and Federal Funding Implications
Three Democratic legislators from New Jersey - Senator Bob Menendez and Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Bill Pascrell, have sharply criticized the decision. They argue that the scheme is "merely a cash grab designed to fund" the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority. In response, Menendez has proposed legislation that would reduce New York state's federal highway grant funding by 50% if the plan proceeds.
Public Review of Final Environmental Assessment
In May, the USDOT green-lighted the release of the final environmental assessment for New York's congestion pricing plan for public scrutiny.
Details and Timelines of the Toll System
New York City aspires to impose a daily variable toll for vehicles that enter or stay within the central business district, spanning from 60th Street in Midtown Manhattan to Battery Park at the city's southern end. Following a tolling agreement, the tolls could commence up to 310 days later, as stated by the city in May.
Traffic Mitigation Efforts in the US and Abroad
New York City, which suffers from the most traffic congestion in the US, is set to become the first major American city to follow in the footsteps of London. The UK capital implemented a similar toll system in 2003 to help manage city congestion.
Historical Context of the Plan
New York lawmakers gave their approval to the plan back in 2019. It was designed to generate funding to enhance public transit and manage central Manhattan traffic via tolls. Although the plan was initially set to kick off in 2021, the federal government under President Donald Trump did not act upon it.
