Mayor: Fort Lee traffic has not increased as NYC congestion pricing goes into effect
Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich says the city hasn’t seen significant traffic backups yet. But also suggests that it is still too early to tell.
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After one week of congestion pricing in effect, traffic is down in lower Manhattan, according to data released by the MTA.
In Fort Lee, there has been serious concern that the start of congestion pricing would bring about more traffic to city streets and poor air quality as more drivers use the nearby George Washington Bridge.
Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich says so far, the city hasn’t yet seen any significant traffic backups. He also suggests that it is still too early to tell.
The midday traffic at Central Avenue in Fort Lee on Monday was mild. Residents say there has not been a noticeable increase in traffic - as many had suspected - from more drivers opting for the George Washington Bridge to avoid the $9 congestion fee after getting through the Lincoln or Holland tunnels.
But locals say they are watching to see what happens.
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“Maybe, you know, in the coming weeks I’ll notice a difference,” said Fort Lee resident Chris Willis.
The MTA is touting numbers that show traffic is down 7.5% within the congestion pricing zone -below 60th Street in Manhattan. Data shows that 219,000 fewer vehicles entered that zone.
It leads some commuters to believe more people are using mass transit or perhaps working from home more often.
Despite those effects, some from New Jersey remain staunchly against the $9 fee.
“I think I’m going to stay away as much as I can. It’s terrible,” said a Wyckoff resident. “Prices are going to go up it’s just crazy. It doesn’t make any sense.”
He’s referring to prices of goods from small businesses in New York City which may have trouble gaining the same foot traffic or just getting deliveries from trucks and drivers steering clear of the new fee.
There’s data that shows bus commutes and times getting across the Hudson River have also been faster.
In response to the numbers, MTA Chair Janno Lieber wrote in a statement, “Positive change wasn’t guaranteed, and it’s exciting to hear commuters – including drivers – talking about how much time they are saving since the program kicked off a week ago.”
The MTA is also banking on commuters like Willis to drive to help pay for the new subway cars, station upgrades and buses the congestion fee will be used for.
“Im not the biggest fan of public transportation so if I do have to go to the city, I am going to drive,” Willis says.
While the MTA is celebrating its recent results, the entire congestion pricing program could be in jeopardy if President-elect Donald Trump attempts to stop the program, as he has suggested.
