Congestion pricing is working, says the data
Islandia, L.I.: Following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s plans to rescind approval for New York’s Lower Manhattan toll program, a recent article (“Congestion tolls take in $49M in first month,” Feb. 25) showed that congestion pricing has in fact been a boon for hard-working New Yorkers.
In the time since the program took effect, the MTA reported 1 million fewer cars clogging the city’s most congested streets, making commute times in and out of Manhattan 10-30% faster. That is a positive. Those against congestion pricing previously assumed that people who could no longer drive into Manhattan simply wouldn’t come. But the data says otherwise. Ridership is up on the subways, buses and express buses. That is a positive. City cab drivers are benefiting from a 10% increase in yellow cab rides since the program went into effect, and the city’s Economic Development Corp. has determined that 5% more people are visiting Manhattan’s central business district on foot. Those are positives.
No matter what mode of transportation they use, people want to be in Manhattan. They will continue to come to work, shop and dine, and the region needs the infrastructure enhancements congestion pricing provides. For those who continue to drive, most are seeing that the value of the time they get back far exceeds the cost of the fee. All together, this suggests that congestion pricing is doing what it set out to accomplish. Ending it would halt this positive growth and put nearly 100,000 local construction workers and suppliers of construction materials out of work. New York is not being harmed by congestion pricing. In fact, it’s adapting and thriving. John Culkin
Mad monarchs
Whitestone: While it’s obvious that although President Trump didn’t learn much about finance or business in the Wharton School, he apparently learned some history. Trump and Elon Musk are a rerun of England under the demented King George III. Trump plays King George and Musk is his joker-clown who entertains him and props him up. How did these two dangerous caricatures of leaders become the most powerful men on the planet? Dorothy Lyons
Hitting the hardest-hit
Manhattan: I read your high-impact story about the evisceration of HUD’s New York City field office (“Don job cuts hit HUD: Just one top-level staffer in NYC office,” March 10). The office helps with rental assistance in our city, which has the highest level of need. The office now has one management-level employee. I thank New York Reps. Dan Goldman, Tim Kennedy and Paul Tonko for attempting to intervene. I am sickened by Trump/Musk decisions to make life much harsher for those already living under harsh circumstances, whether in Ukraine or the Bronx. Parroting Joe Welch at the 1954 Army-McCarthy hearings, I ask our federal leaders, “Have you no decency?” Frankie Turchiano
Title role
Yonkers: Considering that the dictionary defines “doge” as an “elected official/head of state” in Medieval and Renaissance Europe, it can be no surprise that co-Führer Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” acronym is DOGE, with him being its leader, even though he was never elected to be anything official, just appointed by co-Führer Herr Trump. Mark Bloom
Cause for shame
Portsmouth, N.H.: Well, I wonder how many people who voted for Trump are still praising him. I would be ashamed to admit I voted for him. How can one human being turn a proud American into a laughingstock of the world in such a short time? The worst is yet to come. Elizabeth Smith
Loss of lyricists
Northford, Conn.: PBS recently had a special, “50 Years of Peter, Paul and Mary.” Many years ago, my wife and I saw them in concert several times. They were protesting the Vietnam War at the time. They sang about fighting for the rights of people everywhere, no matter how big their bank accounts were or what their profession was. With tears in my eyes, I ask: Where are the Peter, Paul and Mary of our day? Who will fight for our rights and protect our democracy? “Where have all the flowers gone?” Alton Eliason
Egg update
Little Egg Harbor, N.J.: To Voicer Frank Mauceri: Bagels and Beyond is charging a surcharge of 25 cents for sandwiches with egg. The price of large eggs at our local Walmart last week was $5.97. Most restaurants are charging more. I heard Dockside is charging a $1.50 surcharge. I hope you enjoy the time you spend in our town. I’m originally from North Jersey and have lived here for 29 years and love it here. Georgia Dolack
Wise words
Midland Park, N.J.: I’m almost embarrassed to admit that it took me until March 8 to finally read March 4’s Daily News, but I finally got there. I’m writing to say that that day’s Voice of the People was filled with some of the most intelligent comments about the state of affairs that we as a nation are facing today, written by folks who would definitely make a difference guiding our government. Too bad the wrong people are in power, as it’s going to be rocky for awhile with what we have taking place in our country. I think we’ll get through it, however. We’re Americans. Anthony Merlino
Observe and assess
Howard Beach: We live in a reactive world, moving from one blind reaction to the next. Speaking from personal experience, skillful observation is the answer. Learning to relate to our emotions and opinions with objectivity is the result. The quality of our awareness matters — ours and others’. It’s life and death, really. May all minds be opened; may all hearts be filled with loving kindness. Ernest Kienzle
Added support
Yonkers: Re Jalen Brunson’s ankle injury: During my playground/gym days, twisted ankle was always the No. 1 basketball injury. So I started wearing high-top sneakers with an ankle support underneath. To enhance the strength, I began to duct tape my ankle and sneaker. This left little room for the ankle to twist when landing. It wasn’t pretty and yes, it drew some laughs, but guess what? No debilitating ankle injuries. I haven’t patented this idea as yet, so maybe the NBA might avail itself of it in hopes of keeping these tremendous athletes on the court versus on the bench, because without Brunson, the Knicks don’t have a prayer. Thomas Mullen
Weak O-line
Lyndhurst, N.J.: I’ll say it again, Tommy DeVito gives the Giants a better chance of winning than washed-up Aaron Rodgers and all his baggage. Doesn’t matter who the quarterback is if they don’t fix the offensive line! Maybe they should look up Fran Tarkenton! Mark DeFrino
Official neglect
Long Beach, L.I.: Media outlets released horrific video of an alleged Brooklyn dog trainer whipping one dog and kicking another. He has 31 complaints filed against him to the city (17 for torture). Animal lovers are utterly perplexed why this man is free to continue his sick training methods. I’m not. NYC was once ranked one of the worst cities to be a dog. From Justin Brannan fast-tracking an absurd 34-year contract to one of the worst pounds in the country to the City Council not passing a law whereby landlords can’t deny housing to veterinarian-approved pet owners — NYC bureaucrats (the mayor included) only portend to care about animals for votes. In actuality, their policies harm or kill them. New Yorkers, I have four words that would make NYC go from one of the most inhumane cities for animals to the most humane: Vote for Curtis Sliwa. Dana Fuchs
Understated
Smithtown, L.I.: To Voicer Joe Schatzle: If you had the measles for two days, it must have been a rash from poison ivy. Measles last seven to 10 days with a fever of up to 104 degrees. Complications include diarrhea, middle-ear infections and pneumonia. Less common: seizures, blindness or inflammation of the brain. Fortunately, I did not experience any such effects but have never experienced an illness as bad as measles (so far). Two days of “F Troop” and “Leave It to Beaver”? I don’t think so. Regarding your comment about myocarditis, I do not know the number of athletes who developed it, but how many who received the shot didn’t? David Miller
