Sure. All these stories are correct for some people. But I generally rebel at the use of blanket condemnations like “freeloader.” Lots of people make choices that each of us might not make. But I am not always in a position to judge whether driving, training, or using a combination is unwise. The best we can do is work for a culture that subsidizes actions that preserve the earth, work most efficiently, and cause the least unhappiness. Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year I guess that is one way of stating best wishes for a happy and fulfilled future.
All this talk of all the poor NJ commuters who drive in is a bit of a false flag imo.
The pro-transit group looked at commuting patterns in 21 legislative districts in the Garden State that are closest to Manhattan and found that, on average, just 1.6 percent of commuters from those areas drive into the CBD for work — and the median income of those commuters was $107,996 per year, or roughly 22 percent higher than the $88,407 median for commuters who use transit.
A look at just one district, District 39, for example:
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Thanks streetscraper. That’s interesting data.
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For outer-borough residents:
Key Findings
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Among all income strata of outer-borough residents (those living in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island), no more than four percent would regularly pay a congestion fee.
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Of the city’s outer-borough working residents in poverty, only two percent — around 5,000 residents — will be asked to pay a congestion fee as part of their daily commute.
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Outer-borough households in poverty are nearly three times more likely as high-income outer-borough households to lack a motor vehicle.
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A majority of low-income essential workers living in the outer boroughs depend on public transportation to reach their jobs; no more than three percent will be asked to pay a congestion fee as part of their daily commute.
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For every working New Yorker in poverty who will regularly face a congestion charge, 50 workers will benefit through the mandated investment of congestion revenues in transit upgrades.
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Other than police and firefighters (and maybe some partners at large law firms), who drives into the Manhattan CBD for work?
Most of the major NJT bus routs are also served by a ‘Jitney’ bus that leaves NYC bus terminals (and other locations) about every 20 minuets.
I regularly take a Jitney from the uptown bus terminal going to various locations in NJ: I return by standing at any of the NJT bus shelters, and a Jitney bus going back in Manhattan comes within a short time.
All the the above official stats, and commentary are relevant; but ultimately inaccurate until this huge ‘underground’ transportation market is factored into the policy decision.
I know several people who live in NJ and come to work daily on this unofficial transportation service. When trying to solve problems, and make policies; all factors must be taken in account if a truly good faith attempt being made to find solutions.
Unfortunately, this ‘underground’ transportation network into & out of NY can not be “accounted” for because it is entirely a black market cash only enterprise.
Something else to consider.
Lawsuits galore!
Who can keep track of all these lawsuits?
The litigiousness has no limits, but the central tolling district will: Fifty-ninth Street.
Does anyone know why paramedics have an aversion to mass transit?
I’ve spent a lot of time researching this issue and haven’t found any answers.
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
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Is the NY Post well known for calm, objective news articles? I think not. Maybe we should take this EMT article with a grain of salt or two.
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If anyone knows first hand the rate (and severity) of subway violent crime it is a NYC paramedic: they are the first responders when these - all too often - crimes occur. The nature of the injuries of often horrific.
That is my ‘theory’ - they dare not go into that ‘hell hole’ for fear of what they have so often witnessed firs hand. 
What on earth are you talking about
FYI- the post is trash
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Paramedics are part of the police/ fire dept suburban mentality.
I think this at least the fourth lawsuit.
The new lawsuit also accuses the MTA, the federal government and the city’s Department of Transportation of rushing through the approval process for the plan without ample consideration for environmental effects on surrounding areas, including the Bronx and Staten Island.
“What we would say in my world is ‘the kid only read the Cliff[s] Notes, and they cut corners constantly and everywhere,’” UFT President Michael Mulgrew said.
Similar arguments have been raised in separate litigation brought by the state of New Jersey, the mayor of Fort Lee and a Battery Park City resident. Federal and state authorities have found no environmental harm from the plan.
Yes. That’s the point
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the only way to stop all these lawsuits is to institute multi zone congestion pricing that extends throughout the entire city and maybe even Long Island 
Or dismiss them while not entertaining the ridiculousness of each lawsuit and tell the people who made them to go pound sand.
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