Congestion in NYC is a major problem. While some people say that it is expected and inevitable in a city as dense as NY, it may be due to bad policy. Currently, there are tolled and un-tolled bridges in NY. The bridges that are not tolled are a tragedy of the commons- because it is free, people use it as much as they want without thinking of how others may be affected. In order to avoid the tolled bridges, most drivers try to take un-tolled bridges causing serious congestion, especially during work hours. Also, cars that are simply passing through NY and do not necessarily need to use the bridges often use them because they’re free way of passage.
The Move NY program proposes a solution. It supports a recalculation and a reduction of the heavy tolls on some of NY’s bridges, including the Throgs Neck, Whitestone, and Triborough bridges. To supplement the lessened tolls, it places tolls on the currently un-tolled bridges, including the Williamsburg, and Queensborough Bridge. This, the program suggests, would cause people to lessen their extensive use of the free bridges, and thus lessen congestion.
While this plan is perhaps currently the most practical solution for city’s congestion, it is important to consider the possible consequence: if tolls are placed on bridges that are not currently tolled, many drivers would find it economically feasible to take the subway to enter the city. We then must consider whether our subways, which are already crowded and often delayed, are capable of dealing with additional traffic. While theoretically the MoveNY plan makes sense, the possible burden it would put on our subway system must be considered before it could be implemented.
-Syeda Kamal
