New Jersey is challenging a congestion pricing program set to take effect in New York City on Sunday. The state’s attorney general filed a last-minute request with US Senior Judge Leo Gordon, seeking clarification on a decision that ordered the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Federal Highway Administration to provide more details about the plan.
The MTA’s congestion pricing scheme aims to reduce traffic in Manhattan by charging drivers $9 per vehicle during daytime hours. The program is expected to generate billions of dollars for the transit system, but opponents argue it will economically burden commuters and harm surrounding communities.
Judge Gordon’s recent ruling ordered the MTA and federal officials to explain mitigation plans aimed at reducing the impact on areas outside of Central Business Districts. New Jersey claims that these plans allocate more funds to combat traffic in neighboring Bronx than in their own state.
The MTA plans to proceed with the toll, which will drop to $2.25 during overnight hours. Commercial vehicles face higher toll rates, while motorcycles pay $4.50 and $1.05 respectively. A hearing on New Jersey’s request is set for Friday afternoon.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and MTA Chair Janno Lieber argue that the judge’s ruling does not prevent the program from launching this weekend. However, Murphy’s office disputes this, citing concerns over the toll’s impact on commuters. The high-stakes disagreement highlights deep divisions between New York and New Jersey, with both governors supporting similar policies in the past.
Source: https://gothamist.com/news/new-jersey-asks-judge-to-block-congestion-pricing-in-manhattan-before-it-starts-sunday