The MTA on Monday touted the primary week of the controversial state-imposed congestion pricing plan in Midtown Manhattan — however critics say the company’s math is approach “fuzzy.”
Transit company officers mentioned “anecdotal studies” present visitors is shifting extra easily within the congestion zone, commuting occasions are down and extra New Yorkers are hopping on metropolis buses because of the brand new $9 toll per automobile that kicked in on Jan. 5, though their numbers don’t precisely make the case.
“The MTA math is greater than fuzzy — it’s fugazi,” metropolis Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) quipped Monday. “I consider of their mathematical abilities as a lot as I believed of their timeline for the Second Avenue subway.”
MTA officers informed reporters journey occasions on inbound bridges was down as a lot as 40% over the primary week of the plan, whereas visitors south of 61st Road dipped by 16% from October and seven.5% — or 273,000 fewer automobiles in comparison with a snapshot of the identical time span final 12 months.
For instance, the company mentioned the SIM24 saved seven minutes getting throughout the Lincoln Tunnel in comparison with final 12 months, and the B39 bus received throughout the Williamsburg Bridge 3.9 minutes quicker.
“I feel it’s apparent to everyone right here that it has been an excellent week right here in New York,” MTA Deputy Chief of Coverage advert Exterior Relations Juliette Michaelson informed reporters Monday.
“Simply look out the window. There may be much less visitors and faster streets. I feel everyone can see it.”
Nicely, not everyone.
“The champagne popping is untimely,” Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella informed The Put up. “Individuals will do what they will to keep away from paying the $9 toll.”
Susan Lee, chief of the group New Yorkers Towards Congestion Taxes, famous that the MTA evaluation overlooks some fairly apparent information.
“January is often the slowest month of the 12 months,” mentioned Lee, a Tribeca resident. “Whereas some areas expertise much less visitors, others have seen increased than common congestion as a consequence of drivers avoiding paying the congestion pricing tax. The MTA ought to be cautious what they’re celebrating.”
Nassau County Govt Bruce Blakeman mentioned the MTA omitted one other important stat.
“The declare is outrageous as a result of anyone with widespread sense may determine {that a} 16% discount in visitors equates to 16% much less folks shopping for a cup of espresso, getting a meal, buying and creating financial exercise,” Blakeman mentioned. “It’s a tax on hardworking households that reside in and commute to decrease Manhattan.”
Mayor Eric Adams famous at a briefing that the congestion pricing plan didn’t come from Metropolis Corridor — however New Yorkers and Large Apple commuters are caught coping with it.
“I feel with a purpose to be exact we want exact numbers,” the mayor mentioned of the MTA briefing. “I used to be simply permitting the method to play out.
“It’s the regulation of the land proper now and the worst factor I can do is throw extra hysteria into this regulation of the land, significantly [when] I don’t have any management over [it],” he mentioned. “We’re a creature of Albany. Albany made the choice. The MTA made the choice.”
In the meantime, former longtime US Sen. Alfonse D’Amato, who lives in Island Park, mentioned the state’s congestion pricing plan will in the end drive of us out of the Large Apple.
“That is nothing to rejoice,” he mentioned. “It’s not good. It’s unhealthy.”.