Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

In this five-minute speech, delivered at the Stonewall Democratic Club in Manhattan and captured by The Politicker, Council Member Lew Fidler draws on the 2005 mayoral campaign of Freddy Ferrer to rehash the old saw that congestion pricing would create a city of "haves" and "have-nots."

"This is its stated purpose. This is exactly how it's supposed to work, so there's no debate on this point: it allocates your ability to enter the heart of our city by who can and can not afford it."

Again, Fidler betrays his windshield perspective. Of course congestion pricing will not keep a single person from entering Lower Manhattan, as long as they can walk, bike, or pay the (up to) $2 transit fare. And, as has been stated ad nauseum on Streetsblog, the city is already stratified, only in reality the "haves" have cars and/or parking placards while the "have-nots" have MetroCards.

Judging by the tepid reception Fidler gets here, his audience seems to get this, even if the councilman does not.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Four Policies Progressives Are Backing for the Next Big Transportation Bill

Progressives are refusing to water down their ambitions in the face of a deeply divided Washington.

August 13, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines on a Hot Tin Roof

We're talking about streetcars, but are really tired of "desire" puns.

August 13, 2025

Femmes + Thems Bike Offers a Safe Space For Chicagoans to Ride Together

Women, femme, nb, and trans Chicagoans are gathering together to enjoy life on two wheels.

August 12, 2025

Vital ‘Lifeline’ or Blatant Ripoff? Instacart Makes NYC Groceries 75% More Expensive

Instacart is arguing that its services are a lifeline to low income New Yorkers, but the app makes groceries 75 percent more expensive.

August 12, 2025

Is U.S. Passenger Rail Having a Big Moment?

We brought in an expert to unpack some of the biggest rail headlines of the day — and a few you might have missed.

August 12, 2025

Tuesday’s Orwellian Headlines

We've always been at war with Oceania, if you believe the Department of Energy.

August 12, 2025
See all posts