NYC congestion pricing, Southern State Parkway, and Bob Glauber

MTA has few fans of congestion pricing

I am tired of hearing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and New York City politicians repeatedly say that they need to implement congestion pricing to pay for needed transit improvements [“Congestion pricing debated,” News, Aug. 26].

They should have each system’s users pay for their own system. If the subway needs improvements, increase the subway fare. If the Long Island Rail Road needs improvements, increase the LIRR fare. If roads need fixing, increase bridge and tunnel tolls. Why must drivers pay for subway repairs? Can you imagine if subway riders were charged “transit pricing” to pay for roadwork? Of course not.

If the MTA and the city start charging me $23 or more for the privilege of driving into the city, they are sending a message, loud and clear, that they don’t want me there. And listen: I am more than willing to oblige.

I will no longer attend Broadway shows. I will no longer patronize city restaurants, stores, museums and parking garages. And if that hurts these businesses financially, don’t blame me. Blame the MTA administrators and politicians who think this is a good idea. If their plan results in decreased sales tax revenue, they can blame themselves.

 — John Campanella, Albertson

The goal of congestion tolling in the city is to reduce traffic and raise about $1 billion for the MTA infrastructure projects. These goals can be achieved in a much more manageable way than is being presented.

Let’s start by lowering the fare on all mass transit, making it more affordable. Then fund the entire need of the MTA through an increase in the state income tax on the highest earners. We already have an agency that can collect the taxes. That would be more efficient than a system that needs to monitor credits and exemptions at substantial costs.

Also, we are not being informed of the economic drain that will occur by the loss of commerce that this tolling will cause.

 — Warren Kalmenson, East Meadow

Congestion pricing does not make any sense to me. When people drive into Manhattan, they do so for a reason. People do not “just go for a ride” there. Also, they pay a toll at the bridges and tunnels that is outlandishly high.

It reminded me about the Beatles’ lyrics “If you get too cold I’ll tax the heat. If you take a walk, I’ll tax your feet.”

That’s it, tax the pedestrians since they crowd the sidewalks. If there are fewer people crossing the streets, traffic would move faster. My idea is just as dumb as congestion pricing.
 — Fred Elkins, Seaford

There should be a waiver for the charges for drivers with disabilities.

I cannot take the LIRR or the subway. The stairs and the walking distances make it impossible for me to come into the city except by driving.

I hope this factor will be taken into consideration.

 — Ed Brown, Old Bethpage

Blame the drivers, not the parkway curves

I take issue that the deadliness of the Southern State Parkway is mostly the result of its winding roads [“Fix the deadly Southern State,” Editorial, Aug. 14]. It’s primarily the recklessness of drivers.

I travel this road daily from Bellport to Freeport through its winding turns. I have never had a problem with the curves. Why? Because I follow the speed limit. Yes, many cars travel more than 70 to 80 miles per hour, weaving in and out of traffic. And many tailgate cars moving too slowly for them.

Motorcyclists weave in and out, too, many without license plates. These vehicles avoid regulations and should not be on our roads. If they have no license plates, they likely have no insurance. If someone is injured because of them, who pays those medical bills?

Motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles should not be on our roads, let alone on our highways. They should be handled by the Department of Motor Vehicles and require a license, registration and insurance.

So, why is the Southern State Parkway dangerous? It is the drivers who are permitted to use it who are the problem and dictate whether it’s safe.

 — Kay Jay, Bellport

Gratitude for points scored by Glauber

After reading Bob Glauber’s final column, I am happy for him in his upcoming retirement but also sad for me and the many readers who’ll miss his wonderful stories and insightful opinions about the NFL [“A super run,” Sports, Aug. 28].

As a lifelong Giants fan, I looked forward to reading his articles since 1989 and appreciated the favorite memories he shared in this last column, especially of Lawrence Taylor, Mark Bavaro and Eli Manning.

What a pleasant surprise, while attending last year’s NFL Hall of Fame induction in Canton, Ohio, that a football journalist from my hometown newspaper received the annual Bill Nunn Memorial Award.

Thank you and well done, Mr. Glauber!

 — Kelly Dejuri, Kings Park 

CORRECTION:

The approximate year when Christians began persecuting Jews is AD 380. The year was incorrect in a Sunday letter.