Totally agree with the argument that it’s silly that people with cars act as though the registration fees/gas tax cover the roads they use (and many other points in here regarding external costs of cars, etc).
But, given congestion pricing isn’t a toll that will be used to pay for roads, isn’t it a little dangerous to suggest the $9 is fixing that wrong? If anything, motorists who see this would have another fee to point to as proof they’re paying their share (though that would not be true).
Think of it as a system. In this case, NYC operates a transportation system that includes roads, sidewalks, bridges, tunnels, trains, buses. They're charging people who are putting a burden on the system, and using that money to improve the system.
Totally agree with the argument that it’s silly that people with cars act as though the registration fees/gas tax cover the roads they use (and many other points in here regarding external costs of cars, etc).
But, given congestion pricing isn’t a toll that will be used to pay for roads, isn’t it a little dangerous to suggest the $9 is fixing that wrong? If anything, motorists who see this would have another fee to point to as proof they’re paying their share (though that would not be true).
Think of it as a system. In this case, NYC operates a transportation system that includes roads, sidewalks, bridges, tunnels, trains, buses. They're charging people who are putting a burden on the system, and using that money to improve the system.
Great article Andy!