New York commuters snarl at series of woes

Another plan championed by the governor is to implement a street congestion fee and use revenue from this to update the subways and railroad systems.

This fee was due to start on Jan 1 for taxis in Manhattan, but has been temporarily blocked by a judge. It is projected to raise $400 million a year for the MTA.

The Manhattan congestion fee－if it goes ahead－will be in effect 24 hours a day and cost passengers $2.50 when they hire a taxi in the most congested parts of the city starting on West 60th Street and below. Passengers who use Uber or Lyft services will pay $2.75.

A spokesman for Uber said: "Uber will comply with the law and implement the $2.75 fee. The state law says it must be passed along to riders. Drivers will not pay the fee."

Transportation Alternatives, a group that wants fewer automobiles on the roads, said the fee is a positive development and hopes it will prevent more accidents, which last year killed 214 pedestrians, motorists and cyclists in the city.

Joseph Cutrufo, a spokesman for the group, said: "Putting a price on driving in one of the most congested parts of New York City will be a net plus for the streets. It will make them safer and saner, and we expect that it will serve New Yorkers well."