New Yorkers divided over the creation of an urban toll in Manhattan

You will have to pay 15 dollars to access the center of Manhattan. The measure has been discussed for decades and divides the inhabitants of the metropolis.

In June, New York should become the very first city in the United States to adopt an urban toll, intended, in particular, to reduce traffic jams and pollution, in southern Manhattan. The device – if it is not blocked by justice – plans to impose a $15 tax on motorists entering part of the city.

Molly, who lives in the Financial District, is happy about this future urban toll. “It’s great for the cityenthuses the New Yorker. Others around the world have already done it and it works. There’s one of these noises ! Anyone driving from New Jersey, fuck off. !”

“I’m a New Yorker and despite everything, I’m going to have to pay”

The 15 dollars during the day at the entrance to the entire part of Manhattan, located south of Central Park, is enough to discourage the arrival of 150 000 vehicles per day, depending on the city. “The city is simply stealing money from people like meMirak, a New York worker. I live in Queens, I’m a New Yorker, and still I’m going to have to pay ! It’s not fair at all.” An anger shared by taxi drivers and residents of neighboring New Jersey. “It’s an unfair tax for certain professions, like delivery peoplerecognizes Joshua. But I think we should try everything to reduce traffic jams in New York.”

“New York is one of the few walkable cities in America, and we need to protect that. I don’t know if it will work, but it’s worth a try.”

Joshua, New Yorker

at franceinfo

This toll will benefit everyone, says Alexa Sledge of Transportation Alternatives : “You will be able to go to work faster, since there will be less traffic. The cost of the toll will be amortized. Less traffic is good for the economy, because traffic jams here cost us nearly 20 billion per year.”

The windfall generated by this toll – a billion dollars a year – should make it possible to restore public transport.