It has been decided to introduce a nine-dollar toll for driving in New York, USA. New York Governor Cathy Hochul said on Thursday (November 14) that this decision will be implemented from next January. British news agency Reuters reported this.
Governor Hochul said that the new decision set the toll at $9. It is 40 percent less than before. If the decision goes into effect, it will also help transport the $15 billion loan taken to improve the public transport system.
For the first time in the United States, this initiative was planned to be implemented on Sixteenth Street in Manhattan, New York. A $15 toll is planned for driving there. However, considering the pressure of high inflation as well as tourists and passengers, Governor Hochul withdrew from this plan.
He also said that a maximum toll of 21.60 dollars has been fixed for trucks and buses. This charge will be applicable only once per day. However, 75 percent discount will be given for night passengers. And in case of taxi, 75 cents per trip will be charged.
Hochul expressed optimism that if the initiative is successful, it will play a role in reducing traffic congestion as well as improving the environment.
New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is expected to approve the plan next Monday. The MTA has agreed not to increase tolls till 2028. About 6 million people use MTA services every day.
If the plan is successful, traffic congestion will be reduced by 17 percent. Besides, MTA believes that the number of public transport users can increase by 1 to 2 percent.
Similar measures were taken in London in 2003 to reduce traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, many have started criticizing the new decision. Newly elected US President Donald Trump has opposed the plan, saying the new tolls would put New York behind the rest of the country in terms of business and competition.
