For the Record…
April 7, 2008 – 4:23 pm
Sheldon Silver killed Congestion Pricing. Enjoy your massive budget deficit, MTA. [SAS]
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- Apr 7, 2008: Second Ave. Sagas | Blogging the NYC Subways » Blog Archive » Requiem for congestion pricing
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13 Responses
Direct angry comments to Mr. Silver here:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=064&sh=con
By Todd on Apr 7, 2008
The Bloomberg plan was exceptionally flawed.
Anyone who doesn’t see that is naive.
Fare hikes were already in effect, as were cuts/changes by the MTA.
Cart before the horse NEVER works.
The public transit system needs SERIOUS upgrading before additional commuters can utilize it, and leave their vehicles at home.
By jane on Apr 8, 2008
jane: How are you going to fund those SERIOUS upgrades? That’s putting the cart before the horse. That was the point of congestion pricing, and simply by approving the pilot program, hundreds of millions of dollars in Federal funds would have been pumped into the MTA’s Capital plan to support additional commuters.
Yes, this year’s fare hikes had nothing to do with congestion pricing. The blame for NEXT year’s fare hikes, when the MTA is facing a multi-billion dollar deficit because it’s not getting this funding, will fall squarely on the Assembly Democrats.
By Chris on Apr 8, 2008
Surely there are better ways to collect the necessary funds than a tax on middle and lower class commuters?
By K. on Apr 8, 2008
I seriously doubt the people driving into Manhattan are mostly middle and lower class commuters.
By Sarah on Apr 8, 2008
Chris,
You ride the L. You know that the current transit system can not handle additional passengers.
The city needs to be able to accommodate the overflow it already suffers from before bringing more people into it.
I am not running for office - so I do realize that something has to give - but Bloombergs plan was certainly not the answer.
By jane on Apr 8, 2008
Surely there are better ways to collect the necessary funds than a tax on middle and lower class commuters?
The next fare hike will hit lower and middle class commuters harder then a congestion fee. Lower and middle class people do not drive into Manhattan.
You know that the current transit system can not handle additional passengers.
The estimated “million more NYC residents by 2030″ are exactly why the system needs to be upgraded.
By Todd on Apr 8, 2008
Sarah;
What do you know about it? That is a rash judgement.
I am middle class, live in Manhattan, and because public transit is not an option, must (regularly) use a car to get to and from one of my major clients (in Westchester) for at least half the year.
This blog is supposed to bring a joy to our day - not break into a throw down.
By jane on Apr 8, 2008
Blog fight!!!
By Chris on Apr 8, 2008
jane: The L Train is overcapacity, but you still haven’t explained to me how the MTA is supposed to fund expansions in capacity without congestion pricing money. The simple answer is, it can’t.
And sorry, but Sarah is right. You may be an exception to the rule, but car commuters to Manhattan are wealthier than transit commuters.
The claim that congestion pricing would be a regressive tax was a bald-faced lie. The average income of commuters to Manhattan from Assemblyman Richard Brodsky’s district (one of the biggest opponents of congestion pricing) is $176,231. Blocking this vote was a handout to the rich, and the poor will suffer because of it.
By Chris on Apr 8, 2008
I find it ironic that Silver’s district is one of the most congested areas of Manhattan and also has a very high pecentage of people who use mass transit.
By Todd on Apr 8, 2008
I am so sad I didn’t come to your trivia (I’m a Professor Thom’s/John Quinn devotee) - our team name was “Shelly Silver Should Choke on his Exhaust Fumes”. Applause all around.
By Vittoria on Apr 9, 2008