The following was left as a comment from a reader, regarding my posts on Boston traffic and congestion pricing. I think it's interesting, and worth thinking about and discussing.

I don't have the time to do that right now, but if others wish to comment, please do!

I am not against reasonable measures to control congestion in town, but I take issue with the notion that people from outside the city are using its streets "for free". You specifically mentioned NH, but I have to assume you'd include me among those as well (I live just outside the city's limits and would, therefore be subject to any congestion premium levied against drivers).

I rarely drive into town on work days &8212; though I did today. When I do, I pay $30 for the privilege of parking in a garaged space. My activity at work (legal consultant for a mutual fund company) generates an incalculable amount of revenue for the city. When I drive in on weekends, it's usually to shop ($$ for Kenneth Cole shoes, $$ for tee shirts at Motley), go out to clubs ($$ for drinks at Club Cafe or dBar) or restaurants ($$ for sushi at Ginza). I don't have the luxury of walking to those establishments and am willing to pay the price to drive into town, but you're wrong to think that those of us who can't simply roll out of bed an into Copley are freeloaders.

If anything, each trip of mine to the city is paired with the flowing of funds from my pockets into the bank accounts of the businesses I patronize. The businesses I help support pay taxes and their success is a boon to the city, so please don't be so contemptuous [emphasis, mine] of those of us who occasionally use "your" streets. Without the spending and revenue generation of those who come into the city, your streets might be considerably more pot-holed and littered like the South End circa 1980. - Liam Boston

Liam, contemption is my life! Thanks for the comment, very thought-provoking.