I can’t help it. Once in a while you have to say or write something just because you know it’s going to upset your parents. To wit, the headline of this post. Hi Mom! Hi Dad!
But credit where credit is due, and I try to discuss policy not politics, and besides, kudos to George for supporting congestion pricing in New York City. Congestion pricing–which would require payment of a toll to drive into the often congested business district of Manhattan–is a really interesting case where conservative and environmental ideology actually come together.
On the environmental side, prospective congestion pricing will have the wonderfully synergistic effects–happier planet, happier people. The measure is expected to:
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Reduce congestion
- Improve the Manhattan economy by allowing deliveries to move more efficiently
- Reduce traffic and common air pollution in outlying areas like Harlem and the South Bronx, since cars won’t pass through on their way to Manhattan
- Provide, though both a federal grant and the tolls, funding for public transportation
- Help New York move towards the dedication of streets to the people who live on them instead of the cars that drive through them