Jan 10, 2008 7:28 pm US/Eastern
City Considers Congestion Pricing Alternatives
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Could gridlock be a thing of the past with a new congestion pricing plan in place? (File)
AP
Is there an alternative to Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan, and will it work? The mayor's plan would cut traffic and raise millions for mass transit, but not everyone is happy about forking over money every time they visit the city.
In April, Bloomberg introduced a plan that would charge cars $8 to drive into Manhattan below 86th Street or $4 if they move within that zone.
The plan would cut traffic by an estimated 6.7 percent and raise about $420 million for mass transit.
But on Thursday, alternative plans are on the table to see if there is another way to accomplish similar goals. The three plans will go before the 17-member commission studying the issue.
The first alternative calls for $4 tolls on the 59th Street, Williamsburg, Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, also raising millions for mass transit and cutting traffic 5.6 percent.
The second alternative is a variation of Bloomberg's plan, except that it moves the northern boundary to 60th St. and removes the $4 fee for cars moving within that zone. It would also result in mass funding and cut down on congestion.
The third alternative being considered would be a rationing system that would limit car access to Manhattan based on license plate numbers. According to published reports, it would cost $200 million a year, and it's not yet clear how much money it would raise or how much traffic would be cut.
The commission must agree on a plan by the end of this month. Whatever plan is chosen must also win approval from both the City Council and lawmakers in Albany.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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