Newswatch 16’s Emily Kress talked to commuters within the Poconos on what this implies for his or her drive to NYC.
PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Day-after-day, 1000’s of individuals from the Poconos journey on Interstate 80 to get to work in New York Metropolis. Beginning this summer season, that drive goes to price extra.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority permitted a brand new congestion pricing and toll plan this week. Drivers will quickly pay a $15 charge to get into mid-town Manhattan.
“What they’re charging for these tolls, I do not see how households are going to afford it. Working-class persons are getting it,” mentioned Rose Marie Carcione.
MTA officers say it is a technique to ease congestion throughout peak journey instances. New York is the primary metropolis within the nation to roll out such a toll.
Carcione says her son drives to town day-after-day for work.
“You need to pay to make use of the tunnels and the bridges to get into town, that are extraordinarily costly, and you are going each methods every day a minimum of 5 instances per week. And now inter metropolis you’re going to get charged not solely to park, however to drive by means of the streets, it is ridiculous,” mentioned Carcione.
Shawn Smith from Mount Pocono says he carpools to town for his job.
“I believe it is one other technique to convey cash into town. All people loves New York, and I do not see it slowing down,” mentioned Smith.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says cash from commuters will assist improve town’s public transit system, which individuals say wants loads of work.
“It is truly a good suggestion to assist rebuild infrastructure that is deteriorating as a result of a few of these A trains, the individuals know, it is actually not good. It isn’t protected,” mentioned Smith.
Officers in New York hope the tolls encourage some to take different modes of transportation, like trains or buses. Individuals we spoke with say not everybody can change their routine.
“There is not any approach; it isn’t only one commute. He cannot take the practice. What’s he going to do when he will get out of the practice? The place is he going? He wants his automobile,” added Carcione.
The brand new toll is predicted to enter impact in June. Tolls will range for vans and bikes.