Posted on 02/20/2025 4:47:11 AM PST by eccentric
Please explain to those of us in flyover country, what congestion parking tax is and why Trump and/or the federal government has anything to do with it.
The Federal government is involved because you can't charge tolls when there is no toll-free alternative route.
Bridges and tunnels are different because there was no route until the bridge or tunnel was built, and even then, those toll revenues are only to cover maintenance, operations, and policing of the bridge or tunnel. In some situations a portion of the tolls also pays for public transit, with the argument being that it lessens the need for more bridges and tunnels.
its not for parking
its for driving south of 60th street
“The Federal government is involved because you can’t charge tolls when there is no toll-free alternative route.”
Also INTERSTATE commerce, at least for many of the drivers.
You are taxed to build the road then you are taxed to use the roads.
Congestion pricing is a charge for most vehicles to enter lower Manhattan, (in addition to the toll already charged on many bridges and tunnels). The idea is to encourage through traffic to avoid the area and encourage people who can to use public transport to go to that area. I drove through lower Manhattan years ago and the traffic was terrible, would have been quicker to walk parts.
Not sure why the Feds are involved in this case given that there are already tolls on bridges, tunnels and highways.
The single underlying task of DJT/MAGA is drain the Swamp. That’s it, everything else is a derivative.
If there can be a picture of the Swamp (conservative cartoonists have illustrated it), it would be a huge octopus with tentacles around pretty much ALL of society, federal and state.
Now, imagine the Swamp as one large corporation, United States Incorporated, with subsidiaries in every state. New York, Inc. California, Inc. North Dakota, Inc. Etc.
So, with this in mind, to Trump/MAGA, the whole Swamp is fair game. All being done lawfully.
Trump quipped at one point about a year ago seemingly being a “dictator for a day”. That’s now.
I justify this with the mindset that to drain the swamp (US Inc), the Republic of the United States must be restored as well. To that end, states too... New York Inc to be restored to the Republic of New York.
Beyond this, note the Swamp is international. Corporations around the world incorporated on the NYSE, Australia Inc. And, I’ll note too... the United States Inc is incorporated on the London Stock Exchange.
Swamp - it’s VAST.
It’s not for parking—it is for driving into the city at all.
And NYC transportation is a spaghetti bowl of interstate authorities and constructs. As I understand it, they needed federal permission to do what they did and he just took that away.
Thanks for the explanation. Makes sense!
Look it up moron.
Trump argues it unfairly burdens commuters and small businesses. The federal government has authority in this matter because of its oversight of federally-funded roadways and environmental regulations. Yesterday (I think), Trump revoked federal approval.
Exactly the kind of kneejerk a-hole response this board DOESN”T need.
This is a valid question; the innerwebs from Bluesky to DU, TS, FB, X is full of all kinds of competing irrelevancies regarding this move by the Executive Branch concerning control of FEDERALLY-funded roads/bridges/tunnels.
It’s not up to NY governor to determine who can drive on roads built with US taxpayer funds.
She should feel free to put toll booths inSIDE manhattan island on roads with provenence effectively demonstrating they were never funded by US taxpayers outside of NY, but this might prove difficult if not impossible.
Someone else mentioned the “commerce clause” which is also applicable and again, a function of the Executive “to make regular.”
Always amazed that some a$$hat has the time to berate and/or insult someone for asking a question but no time to demonstrate their superior intellect, knowledge or google-fu.
So sad.
TLDNR.
Ping
Why is the state passing a law that only applies to NYC?
The Biden administration approved it. The Trump administration is trying to overturn it.
There’s also an ongoing federal court challenge from neighboring New Jersey over this.
The only reason the Trump administration even gives a damn about this crap is that the “congestion toll” is very unpopular among voters in suburban swing House districts.
For those who do not know -— Lower Manhattan congestion parking fees collected.... Are all to go to NYC public transit and subway system. To bail them out. They are deep billions in debt. So probably cannot issue any new debt at a fair price. The debt markets probably would make them pay 2 points interest above the usual. AKA pay at junk bond interest rates.
All state and local governments suck on the teat of the federal government for transportation funding. If you want to start charging to use the streets the federal government has paid for (in part) you need permission.
It’s the golden rule, he who has the gold (or prints money) makes the rules.
So let NYC and state sue the Trump Administration. NY judges are corrupt, bribed and hate Trump. But Trumps move here is very popular. So this brings more NY Democrats over to the Trump camp.
NY hacks get Trumps executive order here, nullified at their own peril
The Trump administration is also concerned that Democrat dumps all over the country will implement the same “toll” until the whole system crashes.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.