I’ve discussed congestion pricing a lot on this blog in the past, and yesterday it came up yet again. This time, however, it’s the most stinging repudiation of the idiots that think that the poor and middle class will be most affected by it.

Check this out:

The Independent Budget Office released a report examining who might be affected by congestion pricing. The report, “Behind the Wheel: Who Drives Into The Proposed ‘Congestion Zone’” can be read here (PDF) but the topline is that drivers are middle-class and over half are from Nassau County, Westchester, NJ, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

The report states, “Looking at the extremes of the earnings distribution for all congestion zone commuters, motor vehicle users were less likely to be in the lowest 10 percent of earners and more likely to be in the top 10 percent.” The average yearly income of motorists is $75,523, which is “24% more than other commuters,” and those drivers who live in NYC have a median income of $41,209, versus a median income of $32,379 for NYC residents who take other means of transportation. Other interesting points: Motorists are twice as likely to hold government jobs, are more likely to be self-employed, and many work in the private sector.

Reaction to the study is mixed: The NRDC says it proves “Congestion pricing would evenly distribute the cost of maintaining the transit system,” while congestion pricing opponent Richard Brodsky says it proves it’s a regressive tax. Well, regressive for the middle class, sure, as the study says, “These findings largely counter concerns that congestion pricing would disproportionately affect workers less able to afford additional commuting costs.”

While the whole thing is interesting, I never understood that last part. Is there anyone who realistically thinks that people who are poor are driving into Manhattan, specifically in the area below 86th Street?

Really?

Here’s the bottom line. If you can’t afford to drive into Manhattan, don’t. If you can, you probably shouldn’t either. Keep your gas-guzzler in the outer boroughs, not in the already grossly overcrowded Manhattan streets. There’s enough crap to deal with without some lazy schmuck from somewhere else whizzing in in his beautiful black Benz, alone, because he can’t be bothered congregating with the little people on the Subway.

I wish they’d do the congestion pricing thing already. Enough talking about it and start charging these sons of bitches that ruin the city for the people who live here a few bucks for making our lives more difficult.