Who Benefits from Tolls?
State control over the movements of individuals is a key element in the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s upcoming “Congestion Relief” toll scheme for midtown and lower Manhattan. The tolls, set to be implemented in June, will impose a $15 fee on all passenger cars and commercial vehicles during peak hours in the Central Business District (CBD) of the city. Trucks, buses, and motorcycles will also face varying toll rates. Additionally, taxis and Ubers will have to pay $1.25 or $2.50 per trip, depending on the service. The tolls will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
The toll scheme has received criticism for its potential surveillance implications. The use of electronic toll collection technology raises concerns about privacy, as drivers are tracked through their reflective tags. The government’s plans to introduce digital license plates that emit tracking signals further exacerbate these concerns, as they would collect data about drivers’ travel patterns and destinations. Furthermore, there have been instances of privacy breaches in the past, with divorce lawyers obtaining E-ZPass records during legal proceedings.
Despite these concerns, tolls have been touted as a revenue goldmine by politicians and bureaucrats. Historically, tolls have generated significant revenue for infrastructure projects in the city. However, critics argue that the tolls are merely a means for politicians to gain control over individuals’ movements and generate more money for their own projects.
The toll scheme has also faced opposition from various groups, including white middle-class Staten Island leaders, public school teachers union officials, and even the NAACP. There are concerns that the tolls will have a detrimental impact on businesses and employees in the city, leading to widespread opposition.
In conclusion, the upcoming toll scheme in New York City’s CBD raises concerns about privacy and state control over individuals’ movements. While tolls have historically generated significant revenue for infrastructure projects, critics argue that they are merely a means for politicians to exert control and generate more money for their own agendas. The opposition to the tolls is growing, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to halt the implementation of the scheme.
