Barbie, the bomb make strange bedfellows Congestion pricing could make a difference

other highways leading to an overall decrease regionally. To address the potential increase in traffic on circumferential highways, the sponsors of the congestion pricing plan (New York State Department of Transportation, Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, New York City Department of Transportation) will implement a three-month monitoring plan to collect data on traffic after tolling starts.

LYNN SINGBAND Earth Matters

and in certain parts of New Jersey, thereby increasing the environmental harm to the people in those areas. According to the final environment assessment, there is a projected decrease in traffic not only in the area subject to the toll, but in the surrounding region, including circumferential highways. Though some circumferential highways will see an increase, according to the analysis of the studies, there would be a reduction in traffic on

If set thresholds are reached or crossed, Transportation Demand Management measures like ramp metering and motorist education will be instituted. If monitoring shows traffic continuing to exceed thresholds, the sponsors will modify toll rates, crossing credits, exemptions and/or discounts within the area subject to tolls to reduce adverse effects. The projected decrease in traffic will improve bus times and the revenue will enable improvements to the subway system.

Interestingly, there are mitigation measures planned if transit ridership increases so as to increase the time it takes to get up stairs and escalators. One year from implementation of the tolling, the sponsors will publish a report based on data from monitoring traffic, air quality, and ridership among other things.

The Natural Resources Defense Council contends congestion pricing will have positive environmental impacts. By lowering traffic, pollution from highway traffic will be reduced. There is also significant evidence that low-income households are disproportionately located near pollution sources like highways and so will benefit from the traffic reduction.

New York City is not the first city to institute congestion pricing. It is in place in London, Singapore, Stockholm and elsewhere. Studies from London and Stockholm show increases in the number of years people live and a reduction in children’s hospital visits for asthma by half after congestion pricing.

Though we won’t know for certain how well congestion pricing will work in terms of environmental benefits, based on available information, the indication is this is a policy that we should support. We can still drive our cars, maybe even to D.C., but when going into New York City, where public transit options are extensive, it will be discouraged and will cost you.