A City pilot program begun last November to charge commercial trucks for parking along a few crowded blocks in the heart of Midtown is set to expand, and may eventually encompass the entire business district (MTR #294). NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Weinshall told the New York Post last week that truck drivers now park for less time along 43rd and 48th Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues due to the new charges: $1 for one hour, $3 for two hours, and $6 for three hours between 7am and 6pm. Truck operators who schedule loading and unloading overnight or on weekends pay just 25 cents per hour parked for up to 6 hours. Truck drivers also told the Post reporter they perceived a notable difference in parking availability. 
    NYC DOT plans to install the necessary parking meters north of the pilot area to 56th Street and west to Broadway by the end of the summer. Prices for the third hour will also increase to $9 at that time. Weinshall said she hopes that the pricing program will ultimately cover all streets between 33rd Street and 59th Street between 2nd and 9th Avenues. The expansion should prove a positive complement to pedestrian improvements now ongoing in Times Square in yielding smoother traffic flow and a safer walking environment (MTR #287). 

City Tests Midtown Congestion Pricing - November 13, 2000

Ped Takeover Set for Times Square - September 25, 2000

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