Gov. Kathy Hochul is set to revive plans for New York’s first congestion pricing program, which aims to reduce traffic and air pollution in Manhattan by implementing a daily toll rate of $9. The revised plan will be announced on Thursday, five months after the program was paused due to concerns over the initial $15 toll.
The decision comes as former President Donald Trump has vowed to terminate the congestion pricing plan if he is re-elected, and transit advocates have repeatedly called for its implementation. Hochul’s latest about-face has sparked renewed debate among environmentalists, transit experts, and motorists.
The original program was intended to generate billions of dollars for MTA capital improvements and reduce traffic in the most congested urban area in the country. However, it faced resistance from lawmakers and politicians, leading to a $16.5 billion funding gap in the MTA’s current five-year capital program.
Hochul’s revised plan will implement the toll at a reduced rate of $9, with the possibility of future increases. Experts say this approach is more feasible and can help fund mass transit and improve public health. The MTA board will be briefed on the latest iteration of congestion pricing, which is expected to move forward by late December.
Critics argue that the plan lacks leadership and vision, citing examples from other cities like London, where congestion pricing was implemented after multiple revisions over 29 years. However, transit advocates are urging Hochul to implement the plan, saying it’s now or never for funding mass transit and reducing traffic in New York City.
As the debate continues, lawmakers and politicians are vowing to resist the plan, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who has labeled congestion pricing an “utterly absurd” move. Transit worker union leaders also expressed concerns that the tolling plan lacks additional service outside of Manhattan, which could limit its effectiveness.
Source: https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/11/13/hochul-to-resurrect-congestion-pricing