A Boston metropolis councilor who introduced a congestion pricing measure earlier than the physique Wednesday mentioned her push for a dialogue doesn’t essentially imply that she is taking a place on implementing a coverage that might tax drivers for Hub entry.
“While we want to be transit-oriented and we agree that carbon emissions is the goal for us, we cannot necessarily force policies or implementation of practices that essentially disenfranchises or isolates those who are not prepared to transition into different lifestyles,” City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson mentioned.
“Some people have flexibility of access, of money, of affluence, so they’re able to ride their bikes and get to work or work from home,” she added. “That level of flexibility can offer you different options of transportation.”
In her listening to order, referred to the committee on planning, growth and transportation for a listening to after comparatively little dialogue, Fernandes Anderson had pointed to congestion pricing as a “prospective viable option in Boston,” saying that it’s within the technique of attainable utilization in New York and New Jersey.
“A set fee placed on drivers of various vehicles could bring money and resources toward other elements of the community, reduce traffic, increase transit use and improve air quality,” Fernandes Anderson wrote within the listening to order.
The proposal, which Fernandes Anderson mentioned is just a name for a dialogue, drew combined reactions from throughout the political spectrum, within the lead-up to Wednesday’s City Council assembly.
Proponents described it as a software that might ease site visitors congestion and lift much-needed funding for transportation, significantly the cash-strapped MBTA, whereas opponents criticized a coverage that might tax drivers at a time when public transit is unreliable, and the state and T are pushing for low-income fates.
While congestion pricing may take various varieties, transportation advocate Chris Dempsey informed the Herald Tuesday that Boston may incorporate a tolling choice that might cost drivers for touring inside or right into a congested a part of town, which is what New York City is planning on doing.
The metropolis may additionally supply drivers a reduction for touring at off-peak hours as a technique to ease congestion, Dempsey mentioned. A brand new tax would require state approval.
The solely different councilor to talk on the listening to order was Ed Flynn, who requested whether or not Fernandes Anderson was in search of that kind of zoned congestion pricing, which she mentioned she was “not in a position to answer.”
In an announcement to the Herald after the assembly, Flynn mentioned he was against bringing a congestion pricing coverage to Boston.
“With a struggling economy, cuts to city and state services and a slowdown in development and construction, now is not the time to raise taxes for Boston residents and businesses,” Flynn mentioned. “We need to support businesses throughout Boston and a tax increase will have a negative impact on Boston’s economy.”
MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale was essential of the concept as effectively, saying in an announcement that, “Implementing a congestion charge would directly impact Boston residents reliant on commuting to work by car.”
“Following the footsteps of New York, Bostonians might encounter a hefty $15 or more fee for their daily commute,” she mentioned. “Such a measure is unsustainable and unfair, particularly for individuals compelled to drive in and out of the city for work purposes daily.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”