New York has introduced a contentious initiative to impose charges on drivers entering specific areas of the city, marking a first in the United States, which could put local authorities at odds with US president-elect Donald Trump.
In November, State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that drivers accessing regions of Manhattan south of Central Park would incur a daytime toll of $9 (€8.73) starting at midnight.
This initiative brings back a prior proposal that featured a $15 base fee, which she had suspended in June, citing “too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers.”
Republican leaders have urged Mr. Trump, a native of New York who has pledged to abolish the scheme if elected, to step in immediately and halt it.
A judge rejected a last-minute attempt by officials from neighboring New Jersey to block the initiative, arguing its environmental effects on adjacent areas.
Adjacent regions to New York City have contended that such a charge would negatively impact their businesses.
This judicial rejection cleared the way for the initiative, which had encountered other legal obstacles, underscoring the challenges of charging drivers in a nation that prioritizes car travel.
The plan aims to alleviate congestion and support funding for the New York subway system.
Ms. Hochul indicated it was reinstated after an analysis confirmed its efficacy at a reduced fee.
Several elected officials from New York City boroughs and a prominent trade group representing haulers have opposed the project.
Taxi driver associations also registered their dissent.
While their members—encompassing pre-booked ride-hail drivers and operators of the city’s signature yellow cabs—will not bear the fee themselves, affected passengers will face a surcharge.
Approximately 700,000 vehicles enter the area daily, and traffic congestion causes cars to move at an average speed of just 11 km/h, with even slower speeds in certain areas, according to officials.
There are various exemptions to the base fee, including a discount plan for low-income drivers.
Additionally, discounts are available for drivers who enter the tolling zone more than ten times a month.
While similar tolling programs for drivers have been in place for years in other major cities such as London and Stockholm, municipalities across the US will be closely observing the effects of the New York scheme on both traffic patterns and revenue generation.
