SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – Congestion prices would force drivers to pay a fee to get to the busiest areas of San Francisco during rush hour.
The program, which is currently under investigation, could get traffic moving, increase safety for drivers and pedestrians, purify the air, and promote justice, according to the San Francisco County Transportation Authority.
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“As a visitor and as someone who comes here regularly to see the sights, eat in restaurants and just wander around and have fun, knowing that I have to spend money on everything else …” said Ben Flores of Manteca. “And if not me, other families are sure to be.”
According to the city, planning a congestion price program will take at least 3 to 5 years.
Two zones are considered. The most important ones include the Financial District, Chinatown, and SoMa. The larger one is to be expanded to include North Beach, Russian Hill and Fisherman’s Wharf.
There may be a $ 6.50 base fee to attend if you’re earning more than $ 100,000 per year. To be fairer, lower-income drivers do not pay a fee, and people who pay tolls, have a disability, or live in the zone may be eligible for discounts.
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“I think it would be pretty difficult for people to get here no matter what you pay for. People like to come to town with their families or just like their friends, ”said Daniele Pasion, who visited San Francisco on Saturday night.
Carpooling such as Uber and Lyft incur a per-ride fee.
“What I like about it is the great service,” says NJ Miller of Palo Alto. “When you have more money, you can get to your destination much faster. I think it’s about the Bay Area because the prices are so high that you have to pay more to get more. “
The study will make recommendations based on community engagement and technical analysis by the end of the year. The state would also have to issue a permit.
New York City will soon be the first city in the US to introduce a congestion pricing program.
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London, Milan and Singapore are just a few places abroad that have already implemented these programs.
