NYC’s congestion pricing plan is still as controversial as ever

A search of social media, and the internet in general, reveals that rank-and-file Brooklynites, Brooklyn officials and Brooklyn activists have a wide variety of opinions of congestion pricing — especially in the wake of the city’s release of many details of its congestion pricing plan last week.

Many of those who oppose congestion pricing most vociferously didn’t give any concrete reason why. They merely made blanket statements, like Danny P, a Facebook user, who said, “F— congestion pricing! My money will remain in Brooklyn!” 

On the other hand, environmentalists and advocates of alternative transportation (such as bicycles) felt vindicated. Transportation Alternatives, in a statement made earlier this year, said that even if you’re a New Yorker who relies on driving, “believe it or not, you will spend less time stuck in traffic than ever before.”

The most publicized detail of the city’s new plan is the fact that during peak hours, drivers will have to pay $15 to enter what the Department of Transportation defines as the “Central Business District,” or all of Manhattan below 60th Street. 

There will be discounts for taxis, services such as Uber and Lyft and outer borough residents who need to go to the Central Business District frequently for reasons such as visiting people in hospitals. On the other hand, trucks entering the District can pay s much as $36. As in all such plans, there will be a plethora of hearings and votes by various agencies before final approval.

On social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), some Brooklynites expressed fears that congestion pricing would eventually be extended to Brooklyn. “Congestion pricing tax won’t stop with Manhattan. Expect it everywhere soon after,” tweeted “Preserve Our Brooklyn Neighborhoods.”

On another occasion, commenting on a TV newscaster saying…