• Manhattan Congestion Tax To Begin On January 5

    November 15, 2024
    No Comments
    License plate cameras in Manhattan (X screencap).

    We knew it was coming. She just had to wait until after the election.

    Deeply unpopular Governor Kathy Hochul announced yesterday that that the traffic congestion tax she proposed in February--and paused in June--is coming back in January. Hochul, whose latest approval rating is a dismal 34%, will likely lose more support soon.

    Hochul dressed the announcement in silver linings: the new base rate for the tax is $9 per day as opposed to $15, a "40% savings". As Long Island Assemblyman Ed Ra drily noted, “You can’t save them money by cutting a toll they weren't already paying."

    The seven-month pause on the program was seen by politicians and the public alike as temporarily hiding a contentious issue prior to the November elections. Down-ballot Dems worried that Hochul's plan would cause voters to see, and vote, red.

    Please follow us on GabMindsTelegramRumbleTruth SocialGettrTwitter 

    The ploy seems to have worked: Democrats picked up three House seats after losing five in 2022, a rare bright spot for the party amid a crushing loss nationally. Hochul may be persona non grata among her constituents, but she saved some face within party ranks.

    The Details

    All traffic that proceeds south of 60th St. will be charged:

    • $9 for passenger vehicles
    • $14.40 for small trucks
    • $21.60 for large trucks
    • $4.50 for motorcycles
    • $0.75 for yellow taxis
    • $1.50 for Uber/Lyft and other app-based cars for hire
    • Further discounts for low-income individuals

    The funds generated by the tax are slated to complete the 2nd Ave. subway line, build new elevators in several subway stations, and improve signals and tracks in existing lines.

    The stink of it all is that Hochul could have simply enforced existing laws to make up for the MTA budget gap. Turnstile jumpers and bus fare evaders cost the city $700 million per year. But instead of pursuing Giuliani/Bloomberg-era law and order--thereby lifting morale among citizens and police--Hochul fobs off the foibles of lawbreakers onto the taxpayers. Again.

    Remember this in 2026, when Hochul plans to run for reelection.

    ‘NO AD’ subscription for CDM!  Sign up here and support real investigative journalism and help save the republic!

    SHARE THIS ARTICLE
                             

    Author

    Avatar photo

    Staff Writer

    The Manhattan is a new media outlet combatting the Leftist narrative in NYC. We love The Big Apple, we want it to succeed and prosper and are committed to revealing how flawed ‘progressive’ policy is ruinous. As crime spikes, the homeless crisis balloons, schools continue to degrade, and quality of life plummets, we’re determined to help effectuate change. The Manhattan will fearlessly chronicle the problems and try to offer solutions. We won’t shy away from issues, we will lean into them.

    Off the press

    Subscribe
    Notify of
    guest

    0 Comments
    Oldest
    Newest Most Voted
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    Finally, Real NYC Investigative Journalism.
    Copyright © 2024 The Manhattan
    magnifier