The congested New York wants to introduce a vehicle toll – as the first metropolis in the US. The electronic system is to be installed in Manhattan and apply to cars and trucks. A decision was taken by the Government of the State of New York.
For driving in the lower part of Manhattan, drivers will have to pay a fee in the future. It is still unclear how high the fee will be. The New York Times called a sum of more than $ 10 that could be spent driving between 60th Street below Central Park and Battery Park. That would be around nine euros. For trucks it could be even more expensive.
No official start date yet
When exactly the new toll system should start, is still unclear. The fee should be raised but no later than the end of 2021 to relieve the chronic clogged streets of Manhattan.
For many bridges and tunnels leading to the island tolls have to be paid. The new inner-city toll would be added. Critics argue that the measure mainly affects commuters from the surrounding area who live far away from public transport.
The money that the administration will take through the toll will be invested in local and regional public transport. The US has traditionally relied on car traffic, public transport has been neglected in many places. The subway system of New York is considered ailing and in need of redevelopment.
Other cities are also discussing the introduction of a city toll. Environmentalists in London, for example, are demanding such a levy, especially for diesel vehicles. However, the British government rejects this from Prime Minister Theresa May.
