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  "path": "/news/dc-congestion-pricing-proposal-sparks-debate-how-much-would-cost",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-11T15:09:24.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.fox5dc.com",
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  "textContent": "A new proposal that would charge drivers $10 to enter downtown Washington, D.C., is drawing pushback from city leaders, and mixed reactions from residents.\n\nThe idea centers on congestion pricing, a policy designed to reduce traffic by charging drivers a fee to enter busy areas during peak times.\n\nBut Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser says the study backing the proposal is outdated.\n\n## Mayor pushes back\n\nMayor Bowser claims that the Department of Transportation study supporting congestion pricing relies on pre-pandemic traffic data.\n\n\"That study was done seven years ago,\" she said.\n\nCity officials argue that commuting patterns have changed significantly since 2019, with more remote work and different traffic trends reshaping downtown flow.\n\nThe mayor’s office has also suggested that some supporters may be promoting the plan as a way to help close budget gaps, not just reduce congestion.\n\n## Improving air quality\n\nBackers of the proposal argue that charging drivers would encourage people to choose more sustainable transportation options, such as the Metro, biking, or carpooling.\n\n\"Basically, incentivizing more sustainable forms of transportation, I think, is a great idea,\" one supporter said.\n\nSome point to New York City’s congestion pricing model as proof it can work: \"When they were doing their surge pricing, they found that fatalities went down and the air was cleaner.\"\n\nSupporters say fewer cars downtown could mean reduced traffic congestion, cleaner air and safer streets.\n\n## $10 fee\n\nWhile some residents see environmental benefits, others are less enthusiastic about the cost.\n\nWhen asked how they’d feel about paying the fee, one commuter said they \"wouldn’t be super excited about it.\"\n\nFor many drivers, the question isn’t just about sustainability — it’s about affordability and fairness.\n\nThe mayor has signaled opposition to moving forward based on the current study, leaving the future of the proposal uncertain.\n\nWith traffic patterns still evolving and budget pressures mounting, the debate over congestion pricing in DC is far from over.\n\nFor now, drivers won’t be paying $10 to enter downtown, but the conversation is likely just getting started.",
  "title": "DC congestion pricing proposal sparks debate: How much would it cost?"
}