City’s $15 congestion fee experts say is “useless,” has more downsides than benefits, “targets wrong drivers”

NEW York City’s new $15 congestion toll is useless and unfairly targets the poorest people, transit technology experts have warned.

They urged lawmakers to replace it with an AI-controlled system that would save time and money amid a legal battle over the hated tax.

6

6

6

New York’s congestion pricing program is expected to increase the city’s coffers by a staggering billions of dollars annually.

Drivers will receive $15, while motorcyclists will have to shell out $7.50 to enter the Congestion Relief Zone, which covers Manhattan south of 60th Street. The scheme starts on 30 June 2024.

The introduction of the high toll is being fought in a legal battle in federal court today.

A Manhattan judge is hearing arguments in a series of lawsuits.

These were filed by unionized public school teachers, local Republican officials and other New Yorkers fighting to block the tax.

TRAPS

But there is an alternative to the scheme, according to LYT, a transportation technology company based in San Jose, California.

“Congestion pricing has more downsides than benefits,” said CEO Tim Menard.

And with New York’s congestion tax expected to be implemented in other cities, he warned of “the many pitfalls of the unfair system.”

Menard said low-income residents would get a double shock.

This is because not only will they suffer from increased air pollution caused by rerouted traffic passing by their homes, but they will also have difficulty meeting the high costs.

6

“This tax affects the poor more than the rich – there is no equity – billionaires living in expensive areas of Manhattan will not be hit as hard, especially given the cost of living crisis in the US,” he said.

Congestion will also result in rising costs for moving goods and services to and from stores and businesses in Central New York — which will be passed on to residents, he warned.

NEED FOR A KINDER ALTERNATIVE

Poorer residents who try to avoid traveling through the congestion zone will also be at a disadvantage, as they will likely spend more time in traffic, not to mention more money on gas, Menard added.

“Many cities and municipalities we have worked with so far are taking alternative approaches to congestion issues.

“And they are a little more progressive in their thinking of adopting advanced technology rather than just taxing people.

“There are many more things that can be involved in transport planning rather than restricting people.

“There is also a way to avoid harming the disadvantaged… who tend to travel more to commercial and industrial areas for work.

6

“New AI-based technology has already been deployed and is working to reduce traffic congestion in some of America’s most densely populated areas across the country.

“It was specifically designed to help move buses along busy corridors and has been used effectively to improve emergency vehicle response times.

“The new technology can be a very economical installation for cities.

“And it works to improve traffic flow for all passengers, not just buses.”

HELPING EMERGENCY HEROES

Lyt’s state-of-the-art transit system is already being used to help with the smooth flow of buses and emergency vehicles in California, Washington, Oregon and Massachusetts.

The Fremont Fire Department in Fremont, California, for example, wanted to improve response times in the congested downtown by 62% – especially as roads were getting narrower.

This congestion tax affects the poor more than the rich – there is no equity.

Tim MenardCEO, LYT

Battalion Chief Kyle Adams said there was no place for drivers to pull over to let their fire trucks pass.

“The LYT system is a game changer because it predicts the route and eliminates traffic before you can even see it,” he said.

LYT’s system is algorithm-based, with its platform continually learning traffic patterns.

By optimizing traffic lights at intersections, emergency vehicles can move through congested intersections more quickly and safely.

LIGHT PATTERNS

“We don’t apply congestion pricing – we work with cities who oversee the most efficient operation of their public services,” Menard said.

“We installed traffic lights to give buses more green lights and make them run more effectively and efficiently.

“It’s real-time optimization based on bus schedules and where they’re going.”

6

The system even works when pedestrians are likely to cross busy roads to catch the bus.

“We can change the traffic light patterns at pedestrian crossings to allow more people to get on the bus, especially if they are at the intersection, about to catch a bus,” he said.

DRIVING COMFORT

The average American driver lost 51 hours to congestion in 2021.

That’s 15 hours more than in 2021, costing about $869 in lost time, on top of a 32% increase in fuel costs, according to transportation analysts. INRIX.

Menard said New York shouldn’t try to force people to use public transportation, especially if it’s not practical or if they don’t feel 100% safe.

“When you’re in a car, there’s a different mindset – it’s a sense of home, there’s comfort there,” he added.

“It is also a safety issue for those who want to avoid using public transport.”

New York will next month become the first U.S. city to experience congestion from drivers entering its central business district.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority board members voted in March to move forward with the fee.

Supporters of the new tolls said it would drive more people to use public transportation.

They also stated that it would help reduce congestion, speed up public buses and emergency vehicles, reduce pollution and raise the funds needed to improve the metro system.

AIR POLLUTION FEARS

The forecast is to raise US$1 billion annually to finance public transport for the city’s four million daily passengers.

But the scheme sparked a backlash from some residents and the launch of the campaign group New Yorkers Against Congestion Pricing Tax.

Presented a citywide collective actionaccording to an online fundraising page via GoFundMe.

The group said the tax was applied without sufficient assessment of impacts, including on the environment.

“Rerouting traffic patterns will increase air pollution in other areas occupied by low-income, permanent residents, such as those living near the Cross Bronx Expressway,” the group said.

“Demand for parking will increase around many public transit stations across the city, resulting in more congestion, noise and increased air pollution in these neighborhoods.”

Meanwhile, small businesses in the congestion zone will face higher operating costs and fewer customers, campaigners warned.

REDUCE TRAFFIC

The MTA says it conducted extensive environmental reviews.

The fee would help reduce traffic and improve regional air quality by discouraging driving in Manhattan, he added.

The case is being considered by Judge Lewis Liman.

But he is not expected to issue a decision immediately after Friday’s hearing.