Q Poll: New Yorkers Favor Pricing as Transit Funding Source

A Quinnipiac Poll released today shows once again that New Yorkers are decidedly in favor of congestion pricing with revenues allocated for mass transit. The latest numbers indicate 59 percent approval vs. 38 percent opposed.

Here’s the breakdown by borough:

• Manhattan: 73% – 23%
  
• Bronx: 57% – 39%
  
• Brooklyn: 51% – 46%
  
• Queens: 58% – 40%
  
• Staten Island: 55% – 42%

In keeping with previous polls, 89 percent say traffic congestion is a “very serious” or “somewhat serious” problem. The majority still isn’t convinced, though, that pricing funds will used for public transportation improvements, according to Quinnipiac.

Only 43 percent of voters say it is “very likely” or “somewhat likely” that congestion pricing funds will be used to improve mass transit, while 54 percent say this is “not too likely” or “not likely at all.”

Not sure how it squares with the approval ratings above, but the poll also says that, by a 58 to 36 percent margin, “New York City voters agree that congestion pricing would unfairly tax people who live outside Manhattan.” Manhattan voters disagree, 52 to 43 percent. Says Q Polling Institute Director Maurice Carroll: “Again, it’s Manhattan against the world.”

The poll also shows Police Commissioner Ray Kelly as the top choice for mayor at this point, followed by Congressman Anthony Weiner and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.