Free Parking for Hybrids!

One of the best green ideas this year comes from Council Member Hiram Monserrate who wants to give free parking for a year to owners of hybrid cars. If the legislation passes, drivers with hybrids can apply for permits granting them the right to free use of parking meters for a year after their initial purchase.

Free Parking for Hybrid Cars Is Proposed
By BENJAMIN SARLIN
http://www.nysun.com/article/72530

According to Mr. Monserrate, the advantages of such a move would not be limited to the environment.

“It might help in a small way to activate new car sales, which I think is good for the economy. And no one can deny that it would be good for car dealers and the workers at the plants,” he said.

While the cost of the proposal was not immediately clear, Mr. Monserrate said tax revenue from increased car purchases could help pay for it.

“Whatever the city loses on a few quarters, we will gain in the city tax portion of purchasing a new vehicle,” he said.

Along with this free parking proposal, Monserrate is also asking for tax incentives for New Yorkers who get hybrid. He is also suggestion a $100 tax credit on top of that.  If these resolutions pass, it will definitely be time to go green with a hybrid in the Big Apple.