Report: Panel weighs congestion pricing in the skies

Report: Panel weighs congestion pricing in the skies

   New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed taming city traffic with a “congestion pricing” scheme that would charge drivers extra to cruise Manhattan streets during the day.

   The Associated Press reports a federal task force studying congestion in the region’s sky is considering a similar scheme for air passengers.

   Mary Peters, U.S. Transportation secretary, told a group of airline executives and government officials that the Federal Aviation Administration might order a reduction in the number of allowed flights if they can’t find a way to reduce delays at John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports in New York, and Newark Liberty airport in New Jersey.

   So the panel is reportedly considering a plan that would charge higher fees for planes operating when the airports are busiest, which are around the same rush hours that drivers face during the morning and evening.