New York City is moving forward with congestion pricing, a plan that has its fair share of supporters and opponents. The trucking industry is one of the industries feeling the impact.
Joe Fitzpatrick is concerned about how congestion pricing will affect his business, Lighting Express Delivery. Fitzpatrick said 20% of that comes from deliveries to New York City, and in order to continue delivering to New York City, the company will have to add additional fees to offset costs.
Fitzpatrick said: “After looking at some of our routes over the last few days, it’s just not enough. So we have to raise prices, but who knows if we’re going to lose customers or business or if we’re going to shut down?” I don’t even know,” he said. Are you doing business in New York City? ”
This divisive policy has been condemned by some and praised by others. Anyone entering Manhattan below 60th Street will be charged a toll of up to $32, depending on time of day, payment method, and vehicle type.
David Banks, a professor of geography and planning at the University at Albany, said the policy has many benefits.
“It reduces air pollution and noise, allows fewer drivers to get to their destinations on time, and frees up space for ground-based public transportation like buses,” Banks said. You’re stuck in other people’s traffic and are running late. ”
The bank believes it is too early to tell whether the plan has its intended purpose of easing congestion. But the toll could ultimately benefit contractors and other professionals who have to deal with reduced traffic to get to work.
“If anything, their income will increase because they don’t have to drive a car and they don’t have to compete for road space so they can actually drive faster,” Banks said.
Fitzpatrick said he hasn’t seen it yet. But as president of the New York State Trucking Association, he is concerned about the impact this will have on similar small businesses in the shipping and trucking industries.
“Large companies have volumes coming into New York City. Maybe they can absorb it or charge a very small surcharge,” Fitzpatrick said. But compared to me, $14.60 a pop adds up quickly. ”
Trucking associations still want to overturn current toll pricing. They filed a lawsuit against the MTA last May, claiming the plan unfairly targets trucking companies.
