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Changes since congestion pricing started in New York

(www.nytimes.com)
437 points Vinnl | 11 comments | 13 May 25 10:43 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source | bottom
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philipallstar ◴[14 May 25 14:36 UTC] No.43985073[source]▶
The increased speeds are excellent for those who can afford the toll. This is a universal benefit of toll roads for those people.
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bryanlarsen ◴[14 May 25 14:45 UTC] No.43985179[source]▶
And the investments in public transit and bike paths are excellent for those who can't. Such unalloyed win-wins are hard to find.
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lokar ◴[14 May 25 14:47 UTC] No.43985193[source]▶
I lived in Manhattan, and was very well paid. I did not own a car, and loved it. This would have been great for me as well.
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timewizard ◴[14 May 25 22:33 UTC] No.43989879[source]▶
Did you have children or did you live alone?
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epistasis ◴[14 May 25 22:40 UTC] No.43989923[source]▶
As someone with children, I can not imagine the bliss of living in Manhattan and being able to do things without needing a car.

Car-centric urban planning is hell with kids. You have to load them up into the car for any small trip. You can't walk or bike anywhere because cars make it so dangerous.

My only regret about living in the US is this car hellscape that is so hard to avoid. It's mandated by law, not chosen by the market.

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1. danbmil99 ◴[15 May 25 00:45 UTC] No.43990698{3}[source]▶
One word: baby carriages up and down stairs
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2. parpfish ◴[15 May 25 01:21 UTC] No.43990903[source]▶
That’s six words
3. lokar ◴[15 May 25 01:34 UTC] No.43990971[source]▶
Elevator
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4. TylerE ◴[15 May 25 02:49 UTC] No.43991365[source]▶
Only 26% of NYC due way stations have elevators.
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5. ◴[15 May 25 05:11 UTC] No.43992041[source]▶
6. dangus ◴[15 May 25 05:14 UTC] No.43992056{3}[source]▶
This statistic looks really bad but a large number of subway stations are very close to each other, so it's rather easy to find an alternative accessible station somewhat nearby in many cases (especially in Manhattan)

When the MTA prioritizes accessibility projects they take this into consideration and prioritize stations that have few options for alternatives.

I will also point out that buses exist in NYC.

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7. ◴[15 May 25 07:07 UTC] No.43992553[source]▶
8. walthamstow ◴[15 May 25 07:10 UTC] No.43992570[source]▶
In London we just help each other. Someone approaches stairs with a pram and they'll get a "would you like a hand with that?"

The only people I see carrying a pram up/down stairs without help are dads who were happy to do it themselves.

9. dangus ◴[15 May 25 12:42 UTC] No.43994401{4}[source]▶
I also think it’s funny that people bring up NYC transit accessibility statistics when it’s not like the cars that people are forced to drive in just about every other city are accessible.

And of course there are different types of disability. You’d much rather be blind in NYC than blind in Omaha Nebraska in regard to your ability to get around.

10. danbmil99 ◴[16 May 25 03:18 UTC] No.44001526{4}[source]▶
The NYC buses require you to take the kid(s) out of the pram and fold it up. A total PITA

Another kvetch: using car seats in taxis. Maybe it's different now with Uber but 20 years ago the drivers hated it because you have to find the seat belt and secure the car seat...

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11. dangus ◴[17 May 25 13:46 UTC] No.44014295{5}[source]▶
NYC parents already know this and have strollers that fold up to backpack size. The stroller market has progressed incredibly in recent years, there are strollers designed to fold with only one hand.

Ubers/taxis with car seats are no big deal as long as you’re quick about setting them up. And even then, kids are only in full blown car seats for a few short years.