If you’re planning on ordering something online in New York City, you might have to pay a little extra. Assemblymember Robert Carroll has introduced a bill that will add an extra $3 to every online order.
He says the revenue would go to the MTA—which is responsible for New York’s public transportation.
We asked some New Yorkers what they think about the proposal.
New York resident Kareen said, “Whatever funds … especially with this virus going on, if that’s going to help clean things up and get things moving, then that’s cool.”
Sandrean Oram from New York said: “That’s horrible, because we have COVID and everything that’s been happening, it’s crazy. I don’t think that’s right.”
Another New York resident said: “That’s a joke. The MTA has been funded for 40 years. It’s a money pit. They waste all the money.”
The MTA has been struggling to continue its service due to low ridership and a lack of federal funding.
President of the International Transport Workers Union, John Samuelsen says if the MTA wins so does the rest of the city.
“We believe this piece of legislation will help small businesses across the working communities of New York City. We believe that it will reduce congestion in the city, particularly in Manhattan. Reduced congestion has a very positive effect on overall transit, bus feeds will increase,” he said.
Assemblymember Carroll said the bill will encourage people to shop locally, which will bring more revenue to small businesses.
Some New Yorkers said they’ll keep shopping online, while others said they’ll stick to going to the store.
According to the union leader, the surcharge will eliminate the need to raise fares in the future, which will have a positive effect on New Yorkers and their wallets.
The bill would not charge for medicine, food, and other essential items. The congressman said if the bill is not passed this year, he will introduce it again next year.
