NY: Congestion pricing plan gains actual momentum

(Capital New York) In 1980, Mayor Ed Koch proposed banning single-occupant cars from the East River bridges, which have no tolls, during morning rush hour. The idea was to reduce congestion in Manhattan’s central business district by making those same drivers pay tolls at other crossings.

The Automobile Club of New York sued. And won.

“The New York driver, like drivers elsewhere, is a difficult person to convince to change,” Sam Schwartz, then Koch’s assistant transportation commissioner, said that year.

And didn’t he know it.

......(snip)......

In an interview, John Corlett, chair of AAA New York State’s legislative committee, described the Automobile Club as “tentatively supportive.”

“For the first time in a long time we’re talking about distinct benefits for our members, including toll reductions,” he said. “When’s the last time you heard of a toll reductions? And capital improvements in roads and bridges, which we know are a mess.” ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/03/8542363/congestion-pricing-plan-gains-actual-momentum