To reduce traffic and air pollution in Lower Manhattan and Midtown, the MTA will soon introduce a new toll for drivers below 60th Street. Congestion pricing is a much-needed effort to cut gridlock and reduce people’s reliance on private cars, but the success of congestion pricing will depend on ensuring that the details of program design and implementation, as well as coordinated and proactive transit investments from the City and State, are thoughtfully deployed. We’ve made the following recommendations to the City, State, and Traffic Mobility Review Board, which will set the rules for congestion pricing.
Implement Two-way Tolling and Make Tolls Variable
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to tolling, capturing both sides of the trip could allow for flexibility to appropriately toll different types and sizes of vehicles, as well as encourage travel during off-peak hours.
Offer Immediate Rebates to Those who are Eligible
In the current plan, individuals who earn under $60,000 will receive a tax credit at the end of the year. Those who qualify should instead receive an immediate rebate so that families who earn the least aren’t forced to wait to get their money back.
DOT Must Produce a 2023 Streets Master Plan Focused on Readying our Streetscapes for Congestion Pricing
Successful implementation of congestion pricing will require a comprehensive transit infrastructure plan. DOT must produce a 2023 streets plan focused on bus, bike, and pedestrian improvements in and around the congestion zone, with particular focus on improvements that will better support and encourage public transit and safety and ensure the success of the congestion pricing program.
Implement All-door Boarding on Buses Citywide
All-door boarding, which generally reduces the time buses spend at stops by 20%, must be in place prior to congestion pricing in order to ensure we have the best bus system possible to carry additional riders.
Raise the Pedal-assist Citi Bike Cap
DOT should raise the cap (20%) on the number of pedal-assist bikes allowed to comprise the Citi Bike system. E-bikes are an increasingly popular and important transit mode for New Yorkers, particularly those who travel long distances to and from uptown as well as Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens.
Reform E-Commerce and Deliveries
E-commerce delivery trucks too often illegally park in bus, bike, and travel lanes, and frequently use sidewalk space to sort and distribute packages. This contributes greatly to congestion, and we must move more deliveries to smaller vehicles, further expanding loading zones, and strengthen enforcement against the business practices of e-commerce companies that encourage parking and unloading in the public right-of-way. Learn more about how to tackle the congestion caused by e-commerce deliveries.
Appoint a Manhattanite to the Traffic Mobility Review Board
Though Manhattanites will be greatly impacted by congestion pricing, there is no requirement for there to be a resident from the area in which this program will be implemented. This is a highly complex program that must be designed with voices from Manhattan at the table.
