schemes such as tolls and congestion pricing are the way to do this. snert NYC is failing. G West Reference From the NYTimes: July 29, 2007 The City Congestion Pricing, Still Alive There were more fits than starts along the way, but lawmakers in Albany last week finally passed legislation that keeps the city's congestion pricing proposal alive. The bill was a critical, if belated, step, deserving of bows by all concerned, starting with Gov. Eliot Spitzer, legislative leaders and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. There's much more work to be done, however, before New York can begin to get a handle on gridlock and pollution by reducing the number of cars and trucks on its streets. The bill authorizes a commission to draw up a plan to mitigate traffic congestion; among the proposals to be considered is congestion pricing, which means charging drivers a fee to enter the central city, as Mr. Bloomberg has proposed. This was not a complete victory for the mayor. There are many pitfalls ahead requiring negotiation, beginning with the selection of the panel's 17 members, who must at least be open to the mayor's courageous vision. A final plan would have to be approved by lawmakers in both the City Council and the state legislature. That will inevitably create opportunities for political grandstanding but will also allow for serious discussions, which should include the public. The bill also requires a federal contribution. That is still possible. For various reasons, Albany's lawmakers missed by nearly two weeks