May 24, 2007
Another Way Manhattan Differs From the Rest of NYC
As Mayor Bloomberg continues his full court press to bring congestion pricing in some shape or form to the city, the folks at Quinnipiac University conducted a poll to see what New Yorkers think. And even though 90% of the respondents think that city traffic is a pain, 56% oppose congestion pricing (37% support it). But what's interesting is how the boroughs differ. From Quinnipiac:
Manhattan voters support congestion pricing 62 - 29 percent. Voters in other boroughs are opposed to the proposal:Hmm. We wish the data was also broken out by age - it'd be interesting to see if there were any generational trends.- 67 - 26 percent in The Bronx;
- 63 - 29 percent in Brooklyn;
- 61 - 32 percent in Queens;
- 69 - 26 percent in Staten Island.By a 3 - 1 margin, 68 - 23 percent, New York City voters say they use mass transit, rather than a car, to travel into and out of Manhattan. Car drivers oppose congestion pricing 59 - 34 percent while mass transit users oppose it 53 - 40 percent.
Streetsblog points out that the Campaign for New York's Future and the Partnership for New York City have some problems with the poll, because the poll doesn't fully explain the mayor's plan (for instance, a congestion fee would be lower if you've paid other tolls) and weren't aware of the benefits, like how the money would improve mass transit options. The question that Quinnipiac asks is "Do you support or oppose charging vehicle owners a fee to drive into Manhattan below 86th street on weekdays from 6 AM to 6 PM?" And the Empire Zone noted that how many people did think that taxi cabs and delivery trucks should be exempt from congestion pricing, though many believe personal cars and limos shouldn't be.
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i hate cars
how does your soy milk and scented candles get to store shelves?
must be nice: i don't know about soymilk and candles, but my beer would get to gristede's faster and cheaper if there weren't so many assholes clogging the streets with their hummers. congestion pricing helps delivery trucks, and so it helps retailers. the people it doesn't help are lardasses who can't be bothered to walk.
single occupancy vehicles should have to pay
also car service and delivery trucks not destined for manhattan
i cant say this enough: first fix all the double parking that causes traffic. then, do something about the construction sites that block the streets. then assess the situation.
I like congestion pricing as a general rule, but what about if you're disabled? If you're driving a wheelchair van, it's pretty clear that mass transit options for you suck. It doesn't seem very fair.
(unless maybe i missed it, and people with disabled plates don't have to pay).
The traffic pictured above would be nonexistent if police ticketed the drivers blocking the box.
If already existing laws are ignored, whats the point of new laws?
I imagine since disabled people have identifiable license plates, it would be relatively easy to let them in the city without paying. Please tell me the city won't charge them...
this is ridiculous... It's really a no brainer. WHO seriously thinks of driving to Manhattan from 6am - 6pm??? Apparently only 4.6% of commuters... WTF. WHY do these poeple oppose congestion pricing, even though the majority takes public transit all the time anyway?? Comon, it's time to start THINKING. IT'S A NO-BRAINER. (only, the charge should be more like $15 or more, based on occupancy and mpg)
if this comes to pass it'll only benifit people with money...cause they'll gladly pay it...and the slobs in brooklyn will be stuck there cause now there wont be a way out of the boro without paying a toll...such a shitty plan
a - I suggest you actually read the plan before you write such comments. It will provide huge benefits for lower and middle income folks, because ... guess who takes transit the most? Buses will be faster, transit will get more money from.. you guessed it, rich folks! And for the small percentage of folks who do have to drive, they won't be charged if they stay on the highways.
Those in the "outer-boroughs" who oppose congestion pricing are really missing out on the opportunity to shape the plan to benefit their borough even MORE than it will ALREADY. It's so funny how haters sound exactly like those in London and Stokholm who predicted total failure of congestion pricing... and then turned around to praise it. Seriously, do a little research now, else you might be eating your words in a few years.
#2: Agreed. Make way for the beer trucks, dammit.
assholes clogging the streets with their hummers
How many hummers do you really see on the street? Are you lumping all sedans, wagons, mopeds and bikes together into one generic term? retard!
Not to jump on the Bloomberg bandwagon, but I'm thrilled to see him boldly taking on initiatives like this.
Like the hybrid taxi issue, this will have a relatively small impact on the environment, but its certainly a step in the right direction and I'm all for it.
Listen folks, this is all about the convenience of the few, and those few are real jerk-offs as they feel they must be special, must be protected in the car AKA their own private Idaho.
Congestion pricing is the best thing to come to NYC in a while that will directly affect many people's quality of life.
I think trucks and delivery vehicles should be excluded. Any other vehicle should pay! And pay a lot!
I hate walking to work to midtown and I see some ass from NJ in his SUV with one person in it.
Making them pay for that priviledge is a great idea.
I hate walking to work to midtown and I see some ass from NJ in his SUV with one person in it.
That's called freedom. Go back to your reality, Czech.
That's called freedom. Go back to your reality, Czech.
AMERICA! Fuck yeah!
Actually, asshole, that's called selfishness. Why does that NJ dude need to take his security blanket of an automobile into the city? "Because he can" is not an accceptable answer. Sup PATH train park and ride.
I agree that it's unfair that only the most congested part of the city (manhattan below 86th st) would get congestion pricing. Congestion pricing should be extended to all 5 boroughs, even the non-congested parts.
See that's why I don't drive too the city anymore . That picture is the exact reason why I hate driving in New York ! Where's the cop handing out tickets? Bloomberg could clean up off them in that picture .