The Federal Highway Administration has prepared an environmental assessment for the Central Business District Tolling Program in New York City.
The New York State Department of Transportation, New York City Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority recently released the report, opening up a 30-day public review period.
Mandated by New York in April 2019, the program was modeled on urban congestion pricing programs worldwide. It would charge vehicles a toll for traveling in Manhattan south of and inclusive of 60th Street, excluding through-traffic on the Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive, West Side Highway, Battery Park Underpass, and roadway portions of the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connecting to West Street. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion and raise revenue to improve public transportation.
The assessment analyzes the impact of tolling on traffic congestion, transit, air quality and numerous other environmental indicators in 28 counties in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. It discovered that of those who commute to work in Manhattan’s Central Business District, 85 percent use public transportation and 11 percent drive.
The program would result in an approximately 15 percent to 20 percent reduction in the number of vehicles.
After the 30 days, the agency will make its final decision.