Like other major metropolitan cities, e.g., London, New York City considered implementing a fee to drive into Manhattan. The system was all set to implement – technology and all – when the mayor decided not to implement (perhaps delay?). Not sure of the reasons why. I was curious about the estimated annual revenue that was expected as the proceeds were to be directed into a subway improvement fund. Monday would have been the first day the tolls would have been in place.The NY Times sent out folks to monitor the four tunnels, four bridges, and nine streets where cars would have entered the “business district” (60th Street and south) that was subject to tolls.  Between 8 am and 9 am, they counted 22,252 cars entering the toll zone. The tolls are not simply $15/day/vehicle, but an all things considered for cars, taxis, trucks, buses, etc., credit for those entering via the tunnels, exempt vehicle – in that hour sample, the fees generated for the city was estimated at $20,000.  The total estimate of vehicle-entires into the Manhattan business district per day? 347,000.

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