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Al Flacks (not verified) says:
You enquired what I thought about congestion charging (I prefer to use the British term, charging, rather than our term, pricing).
I am against it for one major reason and two minor reasons.
I feel, and mass transit advocates agree, that congestion charging must not go into effect unless and until subway service is increased instantly by 50% and surface bus service is instantly increased by 100% at least one month before any congestion charge goes into effect. Otherwise, there will not be enough bus and subway service to accommodate those who do abandon their automobiles as it is strained and crowded right now. It is to be noted that in 1961 there was approximately 100% more subway service ("runs") and approximately 200% more bus service ("runs") than there is now!
In addition, I do not believe that the plan is adequately thought through and also that it will create a lovely immense bureaucracy. London's plan works inasmuch as it was done well although some kinks had to be worked out after initiation. And of course London has a vast transportation system which is better albeit under-funded.
You enquired what I thought about congestion charging (I prefer to use the British term, charging, rather than our term, pricing).
I am against it for one major reason and two minor reasons.
I feel, and mass transit advocates agree, that congestion charging must not go into effect unless and until subway service is increased instantly by 50% and surface bus service is instantly increased by 100% at least one month before any congestion charge goes into effect. Otherwise, there will not be enough bus and subway service to accommodate those who do abandon their automobiles as it is strained and crowded right now. It is to be noted that in 1961 there was approximately 100% more subway service ("runs") and approximately 200% more bus service ("runs") than there is now!
In addition, I do not believe that the plan is adequately thought through and also that it will create a lovely immense bureaucracy. London's plan works inasmuch as it was done well although some kinks had to be worked out after initiation. And of course London has a vast transportation system which is better albeit under-funded.