New York officials have introduced a toll for cars entering the city’s center—the first such measure in any U.S. city.
Drivers will pay $9 per day, with the toll varying depending on the type of vehicle and the time of day.
The toll will apply to the Central Park district and other heavily visited areas, such as near the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Financial District—Wall Street.
This scheme aims to reduce the severe traffic problems in New York and raise billions of dollars for the city’s public transport network, although it has been strongly criticized by New York residents, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to end the scheme once he officially takes office this month.
There has also been significant opposition from taxi associations.
Last year, New York was declared the city with the most congested urban area for the second consecutive year.
Cars in Manhattan’s city center have been traveling at an average speed of 17 kilometers per hour during peak traffic times. /REL/
