[ad_1]
‘CyberGuy’: Big Brother in the Big Apple
NYC drivers face a $15 each day congestion payment for getting into the toll congestion zone south of sixtieth Street, monitored by license plate readers. Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson provides the main points.
New York City drivers buckle up as a result of Big Brother (aka the MTA) is holding a watchful eye on you by putting in cameras alongside New York City streets to observe you. But why? Well, all of it boils down to cash, in fact. The MTA is rolling out a controversial $15 per day congestion payment for all drivers venturing south of sixtieth Street. They’ve even given this space of Manhattan a snazzy title: the toll congestion zone.
License plate readers in NYC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How license plate readers are holding tabs on NYC drivers
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. License plate readers have been strategically positioned above FDR Drive at East twenty fifth Street and on Route 9A (The West Side Highway) to preserve tabs on drivers getting into the congestion zone. This signifies that any driver who enters this zone could have to pay the payment, no matter the place they stay or the place they’re going.
License plate readers in NYC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
But right here’s the twist: state regulation prevents the MTA from charging drivers who stick to the freeway. While each the FDR Drive and Route 9A are presently excluded from the toll below state regulation, some motorists specific concern that this infrastructure might finally be used to charge tolls on these highways as nicely. After all, with the tools already in place, what’s stopping state legislators from altering that regulation and beginning charging for freeway utilization, too?
License plate readers in NYC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Discounts, deductions and the transit equation
But what about reductions, you ask? If you’re utilizing the Hudson River or East River tunnels, you’ll snag a candy $5 low cost off that $15 toll. Meanwhile, the FDR Expressway and West Side Highway stay toll-free, as we talked about. And should you stay in the congestion zone and make lower than $60,000 yearly, you possibly can deduct the associated fee out of your taxes. Plus, low-income drivers trekking from areas greater than half a mile away from a subway, commuter railroad, or specific bus cease get their very own slice of the low cost pie.
License plate readers in NYC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: HOW STORES ARE SPYING ON YOU USING CREEPY FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT
The journey of congestion pricing
Let’s rewind a bit. Back in 2019, former Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Democratic-run Assembly and Senate gave the inexperienced mild to the congestion pricing program. Current Governor Kathy Hochul is all in, predicting that this program will rake in a cool one billion {dollars} yearly. And the place will that money move? Straight into main upgrades for the MTA’s subway, commuter railroads, and bus techniques. Talk a few transit makeover.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: A SECRET PHONE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM IS SPYONG MILLIONS OF AMERICANS
Councilman calls out MTA’s spy sport
Councilman Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island) couldn’t resist a quip in regards to the license plate readers saying, “It’s amazing to see the MTA turn into the MI6 spy agency when it comes to screwing drivers, but it can’t even make a turnstile to prevent subway fare beating.” Touché, Councilman Borelli.
License plate readers in NYC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Borelli raises a legitimate concern. Could the MTA finally increase the congestion zone to embody toll-free highways? Remember how the legislature expanded velocity cameras through the metropolis’s pilot program? Well, they could simply do the identical with the congestion toll. As they are saying, “Where there’s a legislative will, there’s a tollway.”
License plate readers in NYC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: HOW TO FIND OUT WHO IS SPYING ON YOU
Kurt’s key takeaways
As New York City’s streets turn out to be watched by license plate readers and surveillance cameras, drivers discover themselves on the crossroads of comfort and scrutiny. The $15 congestion toll guarantees to fund transit enhancements, but it surely additionally raises questions on equity and future expansions. So, fellow commuters, preserve your eyes on the highway and your wallets as a result of Big Brother is undoubtedly watching and charging you.
What do you suppose? Will this mannequin of congestion tolls unfold to different cities, together with yours? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For extra of my tech ideas & safety alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a query or tell us what tales you would like us to cowl.
Answers to essentially the most requested CyberGuy questions:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
[ad_2]
Source hyperlink