Is NYC Out Of Its DAMN MIND or Is It Onto Something? Mostly BANS Vehicles On 14th Street

Over the years - NYC has used higher and higher costs on Commuters - largely from out of state(NJ, CT) - although some from Westchester and Long Island - to subsidize the low subway fares. THe Toll on the Verrazano Bridge - which was supposed to go away after a while - is now $19 if you do not have an easy pass (THat is both ways- because of one way tolls). THe Bridges from NJ to Staten Island have a $15 toll. Commercial Traffic is now going into Manhattan from NJ - and using the Free Brooklyn Bridge to avoid paying the Verrazano Toll - causing more traffic.

This is going to backfire - a number of companies are keeping cover offices in NYC but are now moving support staff to NJ or other places. THis not only costs NYC the toll - but also the income tax on the wages.

Right on Tom M. NYC and NY State under democratic control are driving young and old and corporations to more friendly tax states leaving those behind to carry an ever increasing tax burden to cover inflated public servant pensions plus deals and programs used to pander votes.

Pugproud - While I like your support for some of my Statements - I do have to point out that the conditions were not the result and any particular political party - as NYC has had more Republican Mayors in the last 25 years (20 years republican).

But indeed - the political party system in NY is powerful on both sides and that extends often to the State House as well since republicans have held that office more often than Democrats since WWII Largely due to Dewey and Nelson Rockefeller.

This is a play to raise taxes, in some part to reduce mass transit expenses, plain and simple. If this were a true attempt to reduce congestion in Manhattan, they would tax the East River crossings from Queens and Brooklyn as well, but no mayor would allow that, as it would be a political disaster.

Also, if you let it just play out, there is a tipping point where congestion becomes so bad, people will not value personal transportation and naturally move to mass transit.

Even with subsidized mass transit today, the second I have 3 in my car (I have a family of 5), I drive into Manhattan, as the cost of NJ transit and subways is still more expensive then the tunnel and parking garage.

Congestion pricing may be the tipping point for me though. When that goes into effect, I will probably more often just stay out of the city for entertainment and recreation purposes.

It is likely done to a low traffic road (21k/d is not a lot in an city like NY). They likely want to create routes for bicycles so they can get across the city without being harmed. North, South, East and West routes could come into effect.
While unpopular with some, adding more cars isn't the answer. You will see this trend continue to grow in cities were congestion is untenable.

14th St. is one of the major cross town roads that runs in both directions. Get the facts before you assume.

@JG- I was quite aware it was a cross street when I commented. It is also only 21k/day. That is nothing compared to roadways and major highways that handle 300-500 cars per day.The traffic will adapt.

NYC is run by socialists who despise personal freedom. So, go ahead. Bite the big apple. Don't mind the maggots.

And right on time the MD arrives with his „socialist“ shit.

In our capital - having been ruled by social democrats „forever“, now in the second term in a coalition with the Green Party, you get free access to all public traffic for 365 Euros a year.
Solved a lot of problems.

Yup - in the last 25 years - For 20 of those years NYC was run by Socialist REPUBLICANS that despised personal freedom.

Thankfully - the defenders of the Democracy have taken over now.

@Hauerg how is the access free if it costs 365 Euros a year? Sounds like a program for the rich while the lower class will be restricted. Yup, that’s Socialism.

If it is $365 Euros a year and you get unlimited access to subway, buses and trains, that compares very well with 1 month of train rides to the city core. The other 11 months you ride for free.

As well as of 22 hours ago the plan to keep cars off of 14th will now be frozen as the opposing side took the city to court. They will hash it out there over the coming months. Note buses, delivery trucks and cars doing pickup or drop off were still allowed.

@TomM Defenders of democracy? Your tribe tried to fix the election to get Killary in no matter what? Your tribe is all about legislating your narrow mindset because it hates diversity of thought. Your tribe has raped cities like San Francisco, Detroit, Chicago, and New York.

Matt- Both major political parties try everything that they can to get their candidates elected - no matter what. To imply that the Dems did something that the Republicans have never done is nonsense. Just look at the shape of some of those Gerrymandered congressional districts in Republican states - a child could tell there is something wrong there. ANd yes - the democrats do it when they are in as well. But at least - the Democrats do not pass laws to prevent minorities from voting - which the Republicans still do.

And the Republicans are all about trickle down nonsense that has already been proven not to work. THe middle class in this country is still making less money today than they did 40 years ago. Tax breaks for the rich make the rich - richer.

AS far as raping cities - Neither Republicans nor Democrats have done particularly well in the Nations largest cities. Yes - crime is down in most of them - but there is not much else to write home about. NYC - republican Ruled for 20 of the last 25 years - is still a mess.

@TomM CTRL + V boilerplate bullshit that you spew endlessly and mindlessly.