Submitted by Lara, Dec 4, 2006 10:09

The writer implies that there is a strong consensus in favor of congestion charging among Manhattan residents; that opposition is "most often" from residents "outside of Manhattan." I'm not sure that the issue is visible enough that most people have an opinion one way or the other. As this does gain visibility, it is critical that proponents communicate the benefits to all residents of the city, not just to those of Manhattan. If non-Manhattan residents are opposed because of lack of transit options, let's earmark a certain portion (75 percent?) of the revenues for funding transit infrastructure improvement outside of Manhattan.

I live in the City, outside of Manhattan, and work in Midtown. I think this is a good idea. The only concern I have is for the safety of Manhattan pedestrians if average traffic speeds increase. Is there evidence about this phenomena in London? Our pedestrian-vehicle collisions more likely to be fatal, or produce more severe injuries? I already don't like to cross Fifth Avenue when traffic is sluggish. Will it be worse when traffic is free flowing? Can we couple this with a reduction of traffic lanes and an increase of pedestrian space?

Another point to consider is how this might affect transit crowding in Manhattan. Can current service handle increases? (We don't want to be Moscow, with its extreme transit crowding issues.)

It's also important that police officers and other city workers NOT be given special exemptions from the charging. Currently these groups are some of the biggest commuters via personal vehicles. Let's give them more commuter rail service and keep their cars at home.

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