In April 2008, the NYS Assembly rejected NYC Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing proposal for Manhattan. A subsequent attempt to toll the free East & Harlem River bridges also failed. Bruce Schaller (NYC-DOT), involved in both efforts explains why
Schaller stipulates that the key to political acceptance is motorist acceptance - and that means the pricing scheme must be perceived to benefit them, as a user group, rather than society at large.
"Road pricing proposals have to be designed to benefit motorists if they're going to be implemented according to Bruce Schaller, deputy commissioner in the New York City department of transportation. As a senior official in the City's Bloomberg administration Schaller was heavily involved in the 2007 plans to do congestion pricing in Manhattan and - after that failed - proposals in 2008/2009 to toll the East River and Harlem River bridges."
"Given the power of even small groups of auto users to block pricing through the political process, pricing proposals need to be perceived as benefiting drivers individually and not simply society at large," is Schaller's major conclusion from the experience. "
Note: Schaller's article will appear in the August issue of Transport Policy. An advanced copy (pdf) is provided by TOLLROADSnews.
Thanks to Ed Braddy
FULL STORY: Road pricing must benefit motorists for acceptance
Big Push for Congestion Pricing Expected Early Next Year in New York
Ten years after former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan died on the state Assembly floor, expect to see a similar plan revived by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.). New York Times metro reporter, Winnie Hu, explains why it never died.
How NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Came to Support Congestion Pricing
Gov. Andrew Cuomo was not an early endorser of congestion pricing. Why the sudden embrace, particularly when Mayor Bill de Blasio is opposed? Turns out that electronic tolling technology, embraced by the MTA, appears to have moved the governor.
NYC Congestion Pricing: Still Working
10 million fewer vehicles entered the congestion pricing zone in the first six months of the program than last year, while pedestrian fatalities are at ‘historic lows.’
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie