New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to eliminate a proposal to charge drivers a 25% higher toll during gridlock alert days. This move comes as congestion pricing is set to start on January 5, with plans to raise $1 billion annually for subway, bus, and commuter rail projects.
Congestion pricing aims to reduce traffic, crashes, and air pollution by charging a fee to enter Manhattan’s central business district south of 60th Street. The plan would be the first of its kind in the nation. However, it faces several lawsuits, including one from New Jersey seeking to overturn the Federal Highway Administration decision that allowed the program to proceed.
The MTA had planned to increase congestion fees by up to 25% on 20 gridlock alert days during the United Nations General Assembly and holiday season. The plan was met with opposition from U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who welcomed Hochul’s decision. “New York thought they could sneak through another way to whack hardworking families with its Congestion Tax cash-grab,” Gottheimer said.
The final outcome of congestion pricing remains uncertain, pending a court decision on New Jersey’s lawsuit and the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Source: https://www.nj.com/news/2024/12/nyc-drivers-will-be-spared-25-congestion-pricing-surcharge.html