New year is driving change

A new year brings the promise of change, the hope of smoother travels ahead. In the opening days of 2025, barring a court order, the region's roads are expected to experience such a transformation, with tolls on driving into Manhattan's central business district due to begin Sunday. Drivers traveling into the district below 60th Street will pay a $9 toll, but only $2.25 during overnight hours. The controversial plan has been a long time coming. A $15 toll was to start last summer, but Gov. Kathy Hochul stopped it, then announced right after Election Day a restart at the lower price.

Now, drivers must be ready. Residents who qualify for an exemption should apply. Since any rollout can be rocky, drivers should bring their patience while kinks are ironed out. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority must show it can manage this enormous undertaking and spend the funds wisely, while still focusing on reducing costs. The public is weary of reaching into its pockets to fund a bureaucracy it perceives as out of control.

Beyond the political backlash, driver objections and ongoing court challenges, there's really only one question. Will it work? If the cost acts as a deterrent, drivers will take fewer trips by car into Manhattan. That would lessen traffic, reduce air pollution, and improve quality of life. It would make streets safer and permit emergency vehicles to travel faster. Ultimately, it could reshape the region's economic landscape, helping residents, workers and businesses thrive. That would be a transformation to which no one could object.