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Later this spring, congestion pricing will give us an unprecedented opportunity to improve New York's walkability, micromobility, and livability. But public officials and the media seem to be stuck talking about how it'll impact drivers and the “sacrifices” some will have to make for the greater good. We're focusing on the positive! Here are ten things congestion pricing can & should do for all New Yorkers — if Mayor Adams, Albany, the MTA, and the DOT act. 

1. Make rides free on all buses and ferries the first week of congestion pricing
   
2. Complete and expand the Broadway Vision plan
   
3. Fund “Get Congestion Pricing Right” Package for increased bus service & more free routes
   
4. Complete the Transform Fifth Avenue plan from Bryant to Central Parks
   
5. Proactively designate more car-free space for schools
   
6. Two-way bike lanes on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 8th, 9th and 11th avenues & 23rd, 34th, 42nd, 50th, 59th & 72nd streets
   
7. Bus lanes on 1st, 2nd, 9th & 10th avenues, along all bridges and tunnels into & out of Manhattan, major arterials like Queens Boulevard & Northern Boulevard as well as on major crosstown streets like 23rd, 34th, & 42nd Streets
   
8. Permanently pedestrianize districts with far too little space, like the Financial District & Theater District; widen sidewalks in key areas like Canal & Houston streets
   
9. Reclaim curbside space for diverse uses
   
10. Fund the Six-Minute Service plan for all buses & subways

Reporter Arthur Chi'en speaks with Open Plans' Sara Lind, and some everyday New Yorkers, about our list of ten ideas for how New York City can take advantage of congestion pricing's potential to make daily life better on streets and in public space.

We took to Streetsblog to write more about why local leaders should be hailing congestion pricing as the dawning of a new, more livable, age.. If we plan ahead, we'll be prepared to repurpose street space newly freed up by fewer cars in the CBD.

✊ In the last week alone, four people have been killed by traffic violence in Queens, including an 8-year-old child. Join State Senator Jessica Ramos, Assemblymember Ron Kim, Queens parents & children, Families for Safe Streets, Transportation Alternatives, civic organizations, & community leaders for an Emergency Queens Children's March for Safe Streets on Friday, March 22nd at 4pm.

💻 Learn more about the City of Yes Zoning for Housing Affordability text amendment at a virtual public information session on March 25th at 6:30PM.

Open Plans |  377 Broadway, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10013-3907

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