New York City's introduction of a congestion tax is sparking widespread debate and concern among residents and officials. Critics argue that the tax will exacerbate the city's transit system's issues by driving people out of the city, while proponents believe it will make New York greener, cleaner, and improve the speed and accessibility of public transit. The city is already witnessing a rise in fare evasion, with the NYC public transport system losing $700 million in funding last year due to unpaid bus and subway fares, as well as dodged bridge and tunnel tolls. Fare evasion on buses has hit a five-year high, prompting fears that the situation may worsen. The Upper West Side is reportedly becoming a parking lot for congestion-pricing evaders, adding to the city's challenges. MTA Chair Janno Lieber has described fare evasion as "an existential threat" to public transit.
NYC's Upper West Side already becoming commuter parking lot for congestion-pricing evaders https://t.co/44AjXUq5x8 via @nypmetro @KeepNYCFree
MTA Chair Janno Lieber has called fare evasion “an existential threat to providing public transit.”
OPINION | Congestion pricing helps NYC families This program can increase the safety of our streets, make New York a greener and cleaner city, and update the speed and accessibility of our transit system, writes @UPSTANDMovement https://t.co/qk2AXwlKYo
NYC’s Upper West Side already becoming commuter parking lot for congestion-pricing evaders https://t.co/LgjDEoIjAW https://t.co/enZY8zPihV
Fare evasion on buses is at a five-year high, and the MTA fears the cure may be worse than the disease. https://t.co/HbnM3tFW28
The NYC public transport system lost $700 million in funding last year (crowd boos) because people are skipping paying bus and subway fares (crowd cheers, some respectfully snap fingers) and drivers are dodging bridge and tunnel tolls (booing intensifies) https://t.co/QjK5sfVgEz
Rise in fare evasion could hit New Yorkers' wallets, report warns https://t.co/fQXKug2CcZ
With the regressive coercive congestion tax looming, it’s time to repeat our request to @NYC_DOT @ydanis to restore parking to Central Park West. This bike lane is barely used and there is plenty of room to add a row of parking. We are going to need to get back all those lost… https://t.co/DDFX371MgM
The war on cars and private ownership continues, and New York City is taking it to a whole new level. This new tax will be counterproductive and drive more people out of New York City — increasing the death spiral of the city and the transit system. @DFR_Economics https://t.co/uhrlaR8YhC