The Off-Road Effects of Congestion Fees: Reader Letters

The Concern: The effects of congestion pricing on New York residents and businesses following its implementation on January 5.

It’s undeniable that public transportation is crucial for New York City and requires sufficient funding (“Congestion con,” Jan. 5).

The idea of congestion pricing is reasonable, but its execution is flawed.

Currently, many perceive the subway systems as unsafe. As a result, when individuals face the choice of either paying to drive into Manhattan or using the subway, they may opt for neither.

This situation may lead to businesses in Manhattan closing or relocating, whether to different boroughs or entirely out of the city.

It is imperative that congestion pricing be paused, and that an alternative funding strategy for mass transit is developed—one that supports businesses and does not divide the community.

Alan Podhaizer

Brooklyn

MTA Chief Janno Lieber, along with supporters and politicians, proudly unveiled the new $9 Congestion Relief Zone toll sign just prior to its activation. Celebrating this financial burden shows a disconnect from the everyday struggles of citizens.

New Yorkers who rely on daily commutes will face significant financial hardships, just as businesses in Manhattan will.

The only place I wish to see “Congestion Relief Zone” signs is in the aisle of my pharmacy dedicated to colds and flu.

Maureen Beyer

Woodmere

The City of New York, in its continuous pursuit to undermine small businesses, is again striking hard with its congestion pricing initiative.

Masked as a toll intended to “benefit all,” this tax is bound to increase expenses for both businesses and their customers.

Take our store, Park Deli in Crown Heights, as an example. We sell flowers and import supplies from the Flower Market in Manhattan roughly 180 times a year. At $9 per trip, the congestion pricing will add over $1,600 to our supply expenses.

Florists and other small enterprises that obtain flowers or supplies for resale within the congestion zone should be exempt from this pricing, preventing the necessity of raising their prices.

It’s about time we ask: When was the last time New York passed a law that genuinely assisted its small businesses?

Michael Sclafani

Brooklyn

While I oppose congestion pricing in general, the current plan is unfair to residents living in the zone.

The fine print indicates we will receive a “tax exemption.” Essentially, we’ll pay the toll upfront and wait until tax season to reclaim the amount.

Many individuals in this area with low income—who do not typically pay income tax or file tax returns—might now need to hire an accountant to prepare a return.

Additionally, the latest updates show that those desiring any discounts must apply for an E-ZPass that incurs a monthly fee. These matters should have been thoroughly addressed before the tolls were enforced.

Recently, London academic Tony Travers noted that traffic did not diminish following the implementation of their tolls. I have no expectations of seeing better outcomes in our Lower Manhattan area.

John Ost

Manhattan

At a time when subway violence is escalating, the authorities seem intent on directing more people onto public transit, regardless of their willingness to do so.

With their lenient crime policies and the cash grab from congestion pricing, the Democrats have lost sight of the needs of New Yorkers. It’s clear whom they prioritize and whom they disregarded.

Gary Mottola

Brooklyn

Has anyone considered that a significant portion of our traffic congestion is artificially created?

If we eliminated pedestrian plazas, Citi Bike stations, bike lanes on side streets, and re-synchronized traffic signals, vehicle traffic could flow more freely and efficiently.

These missteps have been inherited from Mike Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio, two mayors from Boston. Newsflash: New York City is not a bike-friendly town.

Ilene Heller

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