The Streets Were Never Free. Congestion Pricing Finally Makes That Plain
It&#x27;s sad to see congestion pricing in America. I had hoped that the long-lived cultural freedom of driving would keep it at bay for longer, but I guess not anymore.<p>I live in Sydney. It takes a 45 minute drive to visit a family member, who is sick and homebound. To do so in the shortest and least congested route, I must pay 3 tolls: $14.85 total, one way; $30 dollars a trip.<p>Public transport is not a suitable option. Instead of 45 minutes one way, the combined trip time balloons to 2 hours (4 hours to and back) due to poor proximity to train stations, and bus connections that require waiting.<p>Every time I drive, I feel less free to move around my city. I feel less free to visit my friends and family. &#x27;Freedom of movement&#x27; isn&#x27;t some crazy lunatic idea. It is an important part of living for many people.