New Yorkers, get a Clue!

About congestion pricing.

David Weprin, a Democrat representing parts of Queens on the City Council, is a bit confused about how to help the working class. Congestion pricing offers the working class the least cost path into the city to work. It allows them to tailor their arrival times somewhat, and in return get a much better congestion free commute, saving money on the margin.

This New Yorker complains that congestion pricing will force her into a long bus commute. I agree that any given city will likely screw the buses up, but congestion pricing should result in substantial faster bus routes, and hopefully better bus routes.

An interesting poll of New Yorkers regarding traffic issues. But mayoral candidates misunderstand the congestion issue anyway. The idea is not to get people out of their cars, actually, but let them use their cars in Manhattan more efficiently, having some a pricing system that achieves more flow through and less stop and go. If system wide two way traffic communications were a reality, then Manhattan actually ends up with more cars, as they become more efficient.

Congestion pricing is simply one toe into the world of full two way traffic communications enabling the synchronization of traffic in New York that benefits everyone. New Yorkers need to embrace the concept and they will see a greater economy across the board.