In a surprising move, Governor Kathy Hochul has indefinitely paused congestion pricing in New York City, causing widespread concern over the state of traffic in the city. The decision has prompted questions about the future of transportation and the impact on crucial subway repairs and upgrades.

Renowned traffic planner and former transportation commissioner, Sam Schwartz, has declared that the current level of congestion is the worst he has ever seen, surpassing even historical records dating back to 1915. According to Schwartz, congestion in the present day is worse than ever before, with traffic moving slower than vehicles in the 1800s.

Highlighting the dire situation, data reveals that during the peak of the pandemic in March 2020, Midtown travel traffic speed averaged just 11.5 miles per hour. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) estimates that congestion pricing could have reduced the number of cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street by 100,000. However, without the tolls, the agency predicts that traffic will only increase further.

Interestingly, the majority of commuters who travel to the city for work, around 1.3 million individuals, rely on public transit. In contrast, only 143,000 people drive into the toll zone south of 60th Street. The average annual income of those driving into the congestion zone for work is significantly higher than that of those using public transit, according to the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.

The consequences of the traffic congestion extend beyond inconvenience. Lost productivity due to drivers stuck in traffic takes a toll on New York's economy, as estimated by the Partnership for New York, a pro-business group.

In related news, Governor Hochul's reversal on congestion pricing has not gone unnoticed. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander has argued that the governor's decision may violate state and federal laws, leading him to plan legal action to push for the implementation of the tolling program.

Furthermore, questions have arisen about the absence of bike racks on New York City buses. Unlike cities like Chicago, where bike racks are available on all public transit buses, the MTA has only installed them on select routes that cross bridges without bike lanes. Currently, there is no announced plan to equip all 5,700 MTA buses with bike racks.

As the city grapples with worsening traffic congestion and the implications of Governor Hochul's decision, the future of transportation in New York City remains uncertain. The urgency to address these challenges and explore feasible solutions has become increasingly apparent.