Congestion pricing is giving NYCs ultra-wealthy elite a fast lane while normal New Yorkers suffer, CEO warns

Manhattan’s congestion zone has created a fast lane for the ultra-wealthy, the CEO of a luxury transportation service said – as President Trump and New York leaders tangle over the program.UrbanRide CEO Jeremy Milikow said his “elite” clients are able to zoom around New York from meeting to meeting like never before while he acknowledged Average Joes that used to drive are forced to find other ways to travel into midtown.“It’s a cost that’s disproportionately hitting the little guy is really what it comes down to,” Milikow said.“Our clients are not noticing this, it’s not having the same impact on them.”The company, which sets up tailored chauffeur services in cities across the country, is reaping the benefits even as the future of the $9 toll remains uncertain.“As far as my personal feelings for the little guy, I feel bad for the little guy on a personal level but from a business standpoint I think congestion pricing is the way to go,” he said.“It’s definitely a noticeable impact,” he added.Clients can be charged up to $500 if they are traveling from the city to a nearby airport and possibly somewhere around $200 per hour as they navigate Manhattan streets.While individual drivers are forced to fork over $9 coming and going from 60th Street, livery cars are charged $2.75 per trip.UrbanRide, which has about two-dozen employees, typically coordinates a modest 10-12 trips between patrons and local drivers with the proper permits daily in the tristate area, its CEO said.Gov.

Kathy Hochul launched the toll to enter the toll zone south of 60th Street to generate new, recurring revenue to prop up the cash-strapped Metropolitan Transportation Authority — a move officials and transit groups said would reduce congestion in the area and improve air quality.But Trump has ordered the state to shutter the program and has threatened pulling federal funding to the Empire State.His administration said Thursday it would give the state a 30-day rep...