City studies plan to charge $7 for midtown drivingASSOCIATED PRESS | November 11, 2005 New York City is studying a plan to charge $7 to motorists who drive into Midtown during peak hours. The New York Times reports that the Partnership for New York City is engaged in a nine-month study of so-called "congestion pricing." Such a pricing model would theoretically lead more people to carpool or use mass transit, as well as help air quality and allow for speedier bus routes. Mayor Michael Bloomberg's spokesman told the paper it is not on his second-term agenda. According to outlines of the plan, the 840,000 cars that enter Manhattan south of 60th Street on a weekday could get a $7 charge during peak hours. Cars that start and finish in that zone might pay a $4 charge. The outside Manhattan highways, such as the FDR Drive and Westside Highway would remain free. No toll barriers would be set up, but drivers could have to prepay the fees using vending machines or through the Internet. Video cameras would be used to match license plates with accounts. London has had success with a similar pricing plan. Last modified November 15, 2005 |