New York becomes the first U.S. city with a congestion charge despite opposition
NBCDEC 28 2024
NYC Launches Congestion Toll
Above: A congestion pricing sign on Park Avenue on Jan. 3, 2024. Image copyright: Michael Nagle/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Progressive narrative
This program represents a crucial step toward modernizing New York's transportation infrastructure, reducing gridlock, and improving air quality. It will also provide essential funding for public transit improvements that will benefit the vast majority of commuters who rely on mass transit.
Conservative narrative
The toll unfairly burdens working-class commuters, first responders, and small businesses with additional costs, while potentially devastating areas like Chinatown and the Lower East Side by driving up delivery costs and deterring customers from visiting Manhattan.