Why Congestion Pricing is Unfair: A Deep Dive will commence momentarily.
Congestion Pricing Is Unfair
First and foremost.
I am not a fan of Trump or Nicole Malliotakis. That said. I agree that something needs to be done about Congestion Pricing. But not for the reasons that they invoke.
I also do not agree with Governor Hochul on Congestion pricing. However, I agree that Trump has no right to intervene in New York matters. And with the governor’s resolve to defy the wanna-be king.
His childish, petty gripes against a state that stood up to him have no place here.
As for the MTA. The only thing the MTA cares about is the MTA. When I look at Mr. Lieber, I see the other would-be king in this country—the king of mass transit.
That said, I present why Congestion Pricing is unfair. And a solution to changing that.
The Compromise
So we do not get tied up with items already argued.
We will ignore the usual reasons against Congestion Pricing.
Instead, let us talk about the one reason that makes it unfair.
Congestion Pricing Is Unfair Reason 1
Consider This Scenario:
Supposed I told you that the MTA fare is being raised for the following reasons:
- The roads need improvement.
- Bridges and tunnels need improvement.
- Tolls are too high.
- Gas is too high
- Car insurance is too high.
To pay for these items. All MTA riders will be hit with a traffic toll/fare increase, so to speak.
And all the revenue will go to the previously mentioned items.
This toll/fare increase makes no sense. Right.
The same thing applies to congestion pricing.
No money from this pricing program goes to fixing streets and bridges or lowering tolls. It does nothing for the people who are putting money into it.
Congestion Pricing Is Unfair Reason 2
Deductive reasoning shows that congestion pricing is unfair.
- All drivers are pedestrians.
- At some point, a driver may have to use mass transit.
- Congestion pricing hits the car driver two ways.
Here’s how.
When that driver has to use mass transit in addition to driving a car, that is double dipping for drivers. The driver gets hit when they drive. And when they take mass transit.
This double dipping does not happen to people who only use mass transit.
Another reason Congestion Pricing is Unfair.
A Necessary Evil But With A Benefit
Okay, let’s say we allow Congestion Pricing. Happy now?
Well, there is a catch.
Sixty percent of the money collected should go to street and bridge repairs and reducing tolls. The MTA gets forty percent.
Why? Because 100% of the money comes from drivers. The people who use those streets cross those bridges and pay those tolls.
Here Is The Reasoning
Why do this? You do this because there is no reason a driver will agree to Congestion Pricing if there is nothing in it for them.
In its present form, Congestion Pricing is a money grab for the MTA.
There is nothing in it for drivers.
Would you agree to something that did not benefit you but took away from you? No, you would not. You’re an intelligent person—and you know a bad deal when you see one.
Tolerance and Protection
The Tolerance
Give drivers a reason to tolerate the MTA’s plan.
Notice I said TOLERATE.
And put in place a locked-in price plan for 10 years.
This plan allows for reducing toll fees but not for increasing toll fees for at least 10 years.
The Protection
This condition safeguards against continued mismanagement by the MTA. A mismanagement which resulted in the MTA desperate money grab..
The Opposition
There is only one reason to oppose this compromise. That reason is the MTA’s refusal to accept less than what their master plan called for.
As for the problems that Congestion Pricing has generated.
- Problems such as crowding on side streets.
- The lack of parking and other items.
- Trucking companies pass on the cost of this program to merchants.
- Businesses pass on the cost of the tolls to consumers.
- And more.
The city and state must address and resolve these problems.
Let’s keep the federal government out of this for the time being. For now, the judgment and actions of the federal government cannot be trusted.
Extra Reading
The following is from a Google Search and is an AI overview. The questions are my questions.
Is money for congestion pricing being used to fix streets
AI Overview
No, money generated from congestion pricing is primarily used to fund improvements to public transit infrastructure, like subway repairs and upgrades, rather than fixing existing streets; the main goal is to reduce traffic congestion by discouraging driving in heavily congested areas and encouraging people to use public transportation instead.
Was congestion pricing supposed to prevent a fare hike
AI Overview
Yes, the primary goal of congestion pricing in New York City was to generate revenue to fund transit improvements and potentially avoid fare hikes on public transportation, particularly managed by the MTA, by providing an alternative source of income to support system upkeep and expansion.
Avoiding fare hikes was never the plan. The MTA knew it was going to raise fares. But they needed the public to believe that congestion pricing would stop the hike.
MTA Fare Increases
AI Overview
The MTA’s 2025 fare increase will raise the base price for subway and bus rides from $2.90 to $3, starting in August 2025. This is a 4% increase, which is in line with the MTA’s typical fare hike every two years.
Are you not tired of being lied to? And hearing empty promises. Knowing that if you took the time to analyze what you are being told. And when you look at the whole picture, you would see the flaws and the lies. It is past time to wake up and see the lies.
Today’s Words From The Bubble
About Eric Adams
If you do not want Mr. Adams to be the mayor of New York. Do not vote for him during the primary. And if he wins the primary, there is always the election. 🤔
Storm Shadow 58
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