Congestion pricing is set to begin in New York City this Sunday morning, despite a New Jersey judge’s denial of the state’s request for a temporary restraining order. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will proceed with the plan as scheduled, while New Jersey plans to seek emergency relief from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer had called on a federal judge to block the plan, warning that it would increase smog and air pollution in New Jersey. However, the MTA fired back, accusing New Jersey politicians of hypocrisy for failing to manage their own transit system while endorsing higher tolls.
The new congestion pricing scheme is expected to reduce car traffic by 80,000 vehicles and generate billions of dollars for transit improvements. Governor Kathy Hochul said the plan would encourage more commuters to take public transportation, but also acknowledged that crime has increased in recent years.
In an effort to address this issue, Hochul announced new legislation aimed at improving mental health services and increasing security measures on public transportation. The governor believes the tolls will not contradict her vision for a better transit system and has lowered the price of the new toll to $9. President-elect Donald Trump has already expressed opposition to the plan, but it remains unclear how the governor’s proposal will fare in the state Legislature.
Source: https://abc7ny.com/post/congestion-pricing-nyc-hearing-held-newark-ahead-sunday-start/15745696