Congestion Pricing and Free Subways
Sounds like a Win-Win for Car-less Urbanites
The Kheel Report, sponsored by Ted Kheel- who the New York Times named “the most influential peacemaker in New York City in the last half-century,” came out just a few days ago. It is a bold- surely to be controversial and scoffed at- plan that will increase the initially suggested fare for congestion pricing, while making mass transit absolutely free.
Subway charity? Or justice?
Having heard the complaints and uproar from the initial congestion pricing debate, it will be interesting to see how a $16 congestion pricing fare will float with already aggravated politicians and constituents. Interestingly enough, aggravated subway riders are also against it. One person claimed on the Streetsblog that public transportation should be paid for, other wise it is seen as charity. I would see this as more of an act of justice, rather than charity. Bottom line: The government should be providing for the enormous mass of people who ride public transportation every day. New Yorkers already pay a higher percentage of their ride than in any other public transportation system in the world. Why not swing it to the other extreme? We already have a detailed, comprehensive road map of how to get there. Imagine it.
