New York may be the first US city to introduce a congestion assessment system

The introduction of a congestion assessment program will make New York a better place to live, work and travel. MTA has already chosen a company to launch this system, according to the publication Silive.com.

In New York, the Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP) is planned for the first time, which will allow you to charge for fares in the busiest areas of the city.

For these purposes, MTA Bridges and Tunnels (TBTA) chose TransCore for the design, construction and operation of the necessary infrastructure.

The program, which should be fully operational in 2021, aims to reduce congestion in the busy streets of Manhattan and bring billions in revenue to the city. The proceeds will be used to improve public transport in New York, the source said.

“This is an important milestone for the first of its kind MTA Central Business District tolling program and will reduce congestion in crowded city streets while providing billions of funds needed to transform our transportation system for future generations,” said Patrick J. Foy, Chairman of the Board and CEO of MTA.

TransCore, which is ahead of the other two competing suppliers, begins the preliminary stage of project development. First, the company will install fare collection equipment to determine the scope of the program. At the second stage, TransCore will begin assembling and installing tolling equipment.

The $ 507 million contract provides that TransCore will not only create the system, but will also operate and maintain it for six years.

“This national program brings us one step closer to making New York a more sustainable and economically vibrant city. Simply put, this will make New York a better place to live, work and visit, ”Foy explained.

He later added: “I look forward to working closely with TransCore and DOT management in New York, as we move at maximum speed so that CBDTP will work fully in 2021.”

Currently, approval of the selection of the company by the MTA Board is expected, the source said.

About the program

TBTA will create a New York City Central Business Duty Charge Program in the $ 1 billion state budget approved by April 175.

According to the program, passengers will be charged for entry into the central business district of Manhattan (this program covers any area south of 61 Street).

“Congestion pricing involves the use of electronic tolling to charge vehicles for entering certain areas during peak hours, which ideally will lead to lower traffic congestion and higher revenues for transit-oriented projects,” the source said.

On the subject: How to save in New York on transport and entertainment

How much it will cost to enter such areas next year should be determined by TBTA on the recommendation of the Council for the Review of the mobility of traffic, consisting of six people. It is tentatively noted that the cost may vary depending on a combination of various factors. For example, certain categories of drivers may be offered benefits and loans.

Fare can also potentially vary depending on the time of day, traffic, total distance traveled within the program area, and time spent driving within the zone.

“It is expected that the program will generate $ 1 billion a year, which, together with $ 15 billion placed in a special“ safe ”MTA, will be used to finance capital improvements in the public transport system, which is in decline,” the source said.

The proceeds from the new tax will be included in the secure account. It will add another $ 10 billion to bond funds, the total amount of which will total $ 25 billion.

According to the source associated with the program, the fundamental factor in determining the price of the fare will be to ensure that annual revenue reaches $ 1 billion. This amount is needed to guarantee bonds of $ 15 billion, which will be used to repair and improve the public transport system in New York.