Rally OurBus Supports Urban Mobility and Endorses Congestion Pricing Plan for Manhattan

Numaan Akram, founder of Rally OurBus, supports the recently paused congestion pricing plan in Manhattan and offers solutions for the city's transit challenges. The plan aimed to generate significant funds for New York City's transit system, reducing traffic and environmental strain.

Despite the additional toll costs, Akram emphasizes the importance of the tax for mass transit. Gov. Kathy Hochul paused the program, estimated to raise $1 billion annually, meant to improve subway, bus, and commuter rail networks.

The plan, approved by the MTA board, was to charge cars $15 and trucks $24-$36 when entering Manhattan at or below 61st Street. The toll aimed to decrease vehicles by 100,000 daily and alleviate congestion.

With 700,000 vehicles entering Manhattan daily, the plan promised to reduce gridlocks, improve productivity, and lower emissions. Akram advocates increasing parking taxes, expanding sidewalks, installing bike lanes, reserving taxi spots, and enhancing subway infrastructure to support urban transport.

The Natural Resources Defense Council highlights the plan's benefits, including reduced vehicle entry rates and increased transit ridership, benefiting low-income drivers and emergency vehicle response times. A study by the Community Service Society also found minimal impact on low-income residents.