New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) is reversing her decision to reinstate New York City's highly controversial congestion pricing and indefinitely “pause” the plan this summer. .
In June, Mr. Hochul canceled a proposed $15 toll for entering below 60th Street in Manhattan after widespread opposition. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority agreed to suspend the project indefinitely.
“Do you ever wonder why people ridicule elected officials? This is Exhibit A.”
The reason, Hochul said at the time, was to avoid placing “an undue burden on already stressed New Yorkers.”
However, after the election, Hochul decided to revive the initiative, the people said. gothamist and new york post. Sources say Hochul plans to lower the base price from $15 to $9. However, the governor is also reportedly considering raising the base rate to up to $23 within the next three years.
At a press conference Thursday afternoon, Hochul announced New York City's plan to raise the base fee to $9. She presented the reduction as a savings to commuters, even though the original higher fares were never implemented.
“From day one, affordability for New York families has been a top priority for me,” Hochul said. “I am proud to announce that we have found a way to fund the MTA, reduce congestion, and put millions of dollars in the pockets of commuters. Under this plan, starting in January, the MTA will We will be implementing a congestion pricing plan that will reduce the toll to $9.”
“You heard that correctly. It used to be $15. Now it's $9. That's a 40% reduction,” she continued. “This toll reduction will save daily commuters nearly $1,500 a year, which makes a huge difference to our families. And there will be further discounts for low-income New Yorkers. Car owners with an annual income of less than $50,000 will receive a 50% discount on their 10th monthly bill, plus additional discounts after 9 p.m.
Previously proposed congestion pricing received considerable legal and public backlash.
In April, New Jersey sued New York for “failing to adequately consider environmental impacts” and “ignoring the significant economic burden placed on New Jersey residents and New Jersey's transportation system.” .
The New York State Trucking Association sued the state in May, saying the toll pricing system “unfairly targets” truck drivers. The original plan was to charge truck and tour bus drivers $36.
The toll revenue will help pay for $15 billion in repairs to the MTA's transit system.
Hochul's proposed plan to reinstate the fees raises questions about the timing of the decision.
Kyle Smith, film critic for the Wall Street Journal, said“This is really incredibly cynical politics. Kathy Hochul, with disastrous poll results and the potential for her party to lose a House seat or two, has moved to Manhattan. toll to Midtown. Now, a week after the election, she says she plans to move forward with it.”
“I can't believe Mr. Hochul abolished congestion pricing and reinstated it,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fosella (R).
“It stinks. Do you wonder why people are sneering at elected officials? This is Exhibit A,” Fossella added.
Jim Brosi, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, expressed concern that first responders could also be charged with crimes.
“Congestion pricing jeopardizes FDNY staffing. [New York City Fire Department]”The disproportionate impact on personnel assigned within congestion zones could result in a rapid exodus of senior police officers and firefighters, posing significant safety risks to all New Yorkers,” he said. explained.
Republican Hudson Valley Congressman Mike Lawler accused Hochul of “lining the pockets of New Yorkers to bail out the waste, fraud, and abuse of the corrupt MTA, which is shameful.”
“Governor Hochul has suspended congestion pricing because a $15-a-day toll is too high for hard-working New Yorkers in this economic climate,” the governor's spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday.
“Tomorrow, the governor will announce future plans to improve public health by funding public transportation, unclogging our roads, and reducing air pollution,” the spokesperson added.
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