Congestion Pricing Plan Faces Challenges in New York City
Cheating the System
Four days into New York City’s controversial congestion pricing plan, and police have already busted dozens of drivers trying to figure out ways to cheat the new toll. At the edges of the new Congestion Relief Zone, the NYPD was set up on Wednesday confronting toll evaders doing what they can to dodge payment and fool cameras.
Attempts to Alter License Plates
"People who are masking their plates, covering them up, using plates that are not valid," said NYPD Deputy Chief Thomas Alps, who told NBC New York that officers found 16 toll cheats on Tuesday. The pace grew the following day. On Wednesday, police issued 113 summonses, including 10 vehicles seized and 52 violations for improper or covered plates.
Frustration Among Drivers
But among drivers, frustration is already easy to find. An activist staged a one-man protest on Wednesday in Columbus Circle (which falls just inside the Congestion Relief Zone). Across the Hudson River, officials are not satisfied with the $3 toll credit at the Lincoln Tunnel.
Governor’s Response
"We supposed to feel good that we are only paying an extra $6 a trip? C’mon man!” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy in his first comments on the matter since his state lost an emergency appeal to block congestion pricing from taking effect. "We have not given up. We are reviewing all of our legal options," the governor continued.
Monitoring the Impact
The goal of congestion pricing is to cut down on traffic in the heart of Manhattan — but how do we know if the plan is actually working? One group is tracking the data to see the impact on city traffic patterns. NBC New York’s Checkey Beckford reports.
Support for Congestion Pricing
Congestion pricing is designed to generate $15 billion for the MTA and modernize mass transit, earning it support from NYC commuters who rely on public transit daily. "The vast majority of people in my district, which is the zone, want less congestion. They want cleaner air," said New York State Senator Liz Krueger.
Confusion Among Drivers
The rules still mystify many drivers though, especially in more confusing areas — like the lower level of the inbound Queensboro Bridge, where there is no way to avoid the toll, even if drivers are heading uptown. (A quick breakdown of the tolls and what roads are exempt is available here)
Conclusion
The congestion pricing plan in New York City is facing challenges, with drivers trying to find ways to cheat the system and officials working to catch them. While some drivers are frustrated with the new tolls, others see the benefits of reduced congestion and cleaner air.
FAQs
Q: What is the goal of congestion pricing?
A: The goal of congestion pricing is to reduce traffic in the heart of Manhattan and generate $15 billion for the MTA to modernize mass transit.
Q: How are drivers trying to cheat the system?
A: Drivers are attempting to mask or cover their license plates, use invalid plates, and try to fool cameras.
Q: How many summonses have been issued so far?
A: As of Wednesday, police issued 113 summonses, including 10 vehicles seized and 52 violations for improper or covered plates.
Q: What is the reaction from officials?
A: New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "There’s always gonna be someone who tries to circumvent the system. We gotta do everything we can to catch them." New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is reviewing legal options to challenge the plan.
