This column initially appeared in “On The Manner,” a weekly e-newsletter overlaying every part it is advisable learn about NYC-area transportation.Signal as much as get the complete model, which incorporates solutions to reader questions, trivia, service adjustments and extra, in your inbox each Thursday.New York Metropolis’s motorists let loose an entire lot of scorching air from their windpipes this week after the MTA board gave its remaining approval for congestion pricing. As quickly as June, they’ll pay a $15 base toll to enter Manhattan beneath sixtieth Avenue.“I feel they’re robbing everyone for 15 bucks a day,” griped Borough Park driver Jason Lopez, 47, as he was caught in Decrease Manhattan gridlock on Wednesday, hours after the tolls have been authorized. “I’d somewhat take the ferry now.”Lopez’s response is precisely what the MTA needs. A key aim of congestion pricing is decreasing site visitors in Manhattan’s busiest areas by as a lot as 20% by pushing commuters out of their vehicles and onto mass transit. By regulation, the cash from the tolls should pay for upgrades to subways, buses and commuter rails. The MTA says Manhattan’s air high quality will enhance because of this system.However don’t inform that to drivers like Monetary District resident Melissa Carrasquillo, who thinks the entire scheme is yet one more payment in a metropolis that’s laborious to afford.“It’s horrible for those who reside within the metropolis [Manhattan] to cost us for being in the identical borough that we reside in,” stated Carrasquillo, 42, who famous that she scored an inexpensive downtown residence with free storage parking years in the past. “A few of us, we take mass transit, however a few of us do personal vehicles. And I feel it’s horrible that they maintain tacking on further taxes and charges for us.”MTA officers level out they’ve made some concessions to drivers who reside within the congestion zone: The 2019 state regulation authorizing this system grants individuals who earn $60,000 a yr or much less a tax credit score equal to the tolls they pay.Cabdrivers additionally weren’t followers of the tolls. Members of the Taxi Employees Alliance interrupted the MTA board vote on Wednesday and chanted their disapproval over a side of the plan that might add an extra $1.25 surcharge to yellow and inexperienced cab journeys that enter the zone.The Trucking Affiliation of New York additionally took subject with the tolls, which is able to go as much as $36 for giant vehicles, claiming in a press release town will “quickly see elevated costs for fundamental items.”Nonetheless, some drivers noticed advantages to the plan — and thought the charges could be price it in the event that they scale back site visitors in Manhattan.“I do suppose it’s congested, and I do suppose we must always pay our approach,” stated Darrell Martin, 57, a Tesla driver caught in site visitors on Church Avenue. “I’m in all probability one of many solely New Yorkers you’re going to search out driving that’s really for it.”Curious CommuterReader query:”Why gained’t the MTA dispose of antiquated ‘weekend schedules?”- A. Reilly, BrooklynAnswer:The MTA runs fewer trains and buses on weekends as a result of fewer individuals journey on these days. Subway turnstiles clock about 3.8 million entries per weekday, whereas transit buses clock about 1.2 million. That’s roughly double the ridership on Saturdays or Sundays. Within the aftermath of the pandemic, riders have returned at the next price on weekends than on weekdays, largely because of the recognition of distant work. The MTA has not too long ago supplied some concessions to weekend warriors. The company appointed a “weekend service czar” in 2022, and added extra trains on the G, J and M strains final yr.Have a query? Comply with @Gothamist on Instagram for particular alternatives and prompts to submit questions.If you happen to’re not on Instagram, electronic mail cguse@wnyc.org or snessen@wnyc.org with the topic line “Curious Commuter query.”You will need to present your first title and borough (or metropolis if exterior of NYC) to have your query thought of.