New York's Transit Needs Congestion Pricing

6 March 2008 - 9:00am

This editorial from The New York Times argues that the city's public transportation system needs congestion pricing to stay alive.

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"The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it will need $29.5 billion over the next five years for system improvements, including buying new subway cars, upgrading signals and expanding. Anyone who rides New York’s subways, buses and commuter rails would have to concede that the system badly needs the help. The question is how to find all that cash without sticking up riders again. A big part of the answer should be congestion pricing."

"New York riders pay a considerably higher share of the cost of mass transit than riders in other cities. Fares for buses, subways and commuter rails increased again this week to help pay the M.T.A.’s operating costs. It is time for New York drivers to help carry the burden. Congestion pricing fees can produce significant and recurring new money for mass transit’s capital expenses."

Source: The New York Times, Mar 05, 2008