NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on a proposal to charge motorists out $11.52 to drive into the busiest parts of Manhattan (all times local):
3:15 p.m.
Uber says it supports congestion pricing in the heart of New York City if it’s applied to all vehicles and the revenue goes to mass transit.
Motorists would have to shell out $11.52 to drive into the busiest parts of Manhattan under a proposal commissioned by the Democratic governor to ease congestion. Trucks would pay $25.34. Taxi cabs and Uber rides would be charged between $2 and $5 per ride.
The proposal is likely to face stiff opposition from many commuters, businesses and lawmakers.
A union representing 60,000 drivers for Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing companies said Friday surcharges could be “devastating” to drivers if they can’t pass higher costs on to passengers.
The Democratic mayor says he’d like a guarantee funds raised would be used for public transportation.
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10:45 a.m.
Mayor Bill de Blasio says he’d like a guarantee that funds raised under a Manhattan congestion pricing proposal would be used for public transportation in New York City.
De Blasio spoke Friday on WNYC about a proposal prepared for New York’s governor.
The idea involves using electronic tolling to charge vehicles for entering certain parts of town during especially busy times. It could cost $11.52 to drive a car into the busiest parts of Manhattan.
De Blasio says the concept is a step in the right direction when compared to previous proposals.
The mayor continues to push for a millionaires’ tax designed to help fix the subways and aid low-income commuters.
He says it might be possible to combine elements of each plan to create a fair solution.
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12:30 a.m.
Driving a car into the busiest parts of Manhattan could cost $11.52 under a proposal prepared for New York’s governor.
The New York Times reports the legislature is expected to receive the proposal on Friday.
The idea, called “congestion pricing,” involves using electronic tolling to charge vehicles for entering certain parts of town during especially busy times.
London and Singapore already have similar charges in place. Supporters of the idea say it could not only address gridlock, but also raise money for mass transit. Skeptics, including Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio (dih BLAH’-zee-oh), worry the tolls could be a burden, especially to commuters.
Under the proposal, trucks entering the busiest parts of Manhattan would pay $25.34, and taxis and for-hire vehicles could see surcharges of $2 to $5 per ride.
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