New York Cancels Planned Toll Collection in Manhattan
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the decision to indefinitely suspend the planned toll collection system in Manhattan. The initial plan was for drivers to pay $15 to enter the southern part of Manhattan in an effort to improve air quality in the busy city. However, concerns were raised immediately about the impact this would have on lower-income drivers.
The Taxi Drivers Union estimated that its employees would lose $8,000 in income per year due to this toll collection system. This led to Governor Hochul’s decision to halt the program, citing the unintended consequences it would have on New Yorkers.
Similar arguments are being made in Brussels, where the PS and PTB parties are opposing the Smart Move, a proposed smart kilometer tax that would replace the current traffic tax for Brussels residents. The left-wing parties argue that such a kilometer tax would disproportionately affect lower-income individuals.
This decision in New York highlights the ongoing debate surrounding toll collection systems and their impact on different socioeconomic groups. It also raises questions about the best way to address environmental concerns without unfairly burdening certain segments of the population.