It would make sense if this actually reduced the congestion in NYC, but it wont.
But it wont. The main problem is so much biz related traffic. Mostly trucks and vans. And they still have to come into the city, surcharge or not.
This will get passed on as a cost to comsumers by higher costs of doing biz and for higher costs for products. They studies that say it will save time $ money via reduced traffic are worthless.
This is just a tax.
You are correct that this plan won’t make a dent in traffic congestion. And who will be hurt most? City residents who for one reason or another find it inconvenient to use the subways:
1. Older people and those in poor health who find it hard to negotiate all those stairs.
2. Mothers with infants or toddlers who have to carry baby, strollers, and related gear.
3. Freelancers who transport large portfolios, sample cases, musical instruments and other items that make long walks and riding in crowded trains a challenge.
An extra eight dollar fee for every trip into midtown, on top of all the other tolls, parking fees and so on that they already pay, is quite a burden, though I’m sure Bloomberg and his pals can afford it.