The new $9 toll for cars in midtown Manhattan could rise by another 25% to $11.25 on “traffic alert days” starting next year, The Post has learned.
MTA's already controversial right to raise commuter taxes It was mentioned in a footnote In a revised congestion pricing plan filed in the New York State Register, the state's rule-making publication.
“If crushing hard-working Jersey and New York families with a new $9-a-day congestion charge wasn’t enough, the MTA is now adding a 25 percent Uber-style surge price tax on so-called “gridlock.” It's pouring salt into the wound. “Alert Days, whenever you want,” fumed Josh Gottheimer, a Democratic congressman who represents the northern New Jersey community bordering Manhattan by the George Washington Bridge.
“This is a huge insult to families who are just trying to make ends meet,” said Gottheimer, who is running for next year's Garden State gubernatorial election.
“New York and the MTA clearly have no interest in making life more affordable for the hard-working people of Jersey and their own cities.”
The city's transportation bureau has designated 20 days of this year as a “congestion warning” for the worst traffic congestion.
There were a total of 11 such days in December, four in November and five in September, when the United Nations General Assembly is in session.
Gov. Kathy Hochul originally floated a $15 base fare, but infamously waited after the election to introduce a $9 commuter tax, which would be even higher on busy days. There is a possibility that it will happen.
“Authority reserves the right to charge 25% higher CBD [Central Business District] Please charge on congestion warning days,” said the MTA’s Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
This year, traffic congestion warnings were issued on December 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 17th, 18th, and 19th. November 20th, 21st, 22nd, 26th. and September 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th.
“On Gridlock Warning days, consider walking, biking, or using public transportation to get around Manhattan,” the Department of Transportation's notice reads.
Opponents of the nation's first congestion charge say the 25% congestion warning surcharge is just another money-maker for the MTA.
“That's news to me, but I can't say I'm surprised,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fosella, a co-plaintiff with the United Federation of Teachers in a federal lawsuit aimed at blocking congestion pricing. Ta.
“This is clearly part of the MTA's plan. It's 'how much money can we grab?' It's about maximizing profits. They are constantly increasing tolls and never lowering tolls. ”
Fossella said the new tolls below 60th Street in Midtown will cause motorists trying to avoid tolls to reroute through Staten Island, increasing traffic. , argued that it would cause further pollution in the district.
MTA officials emphasized that the city DOT determines congestion warning dates and that the 25% toll increase is an option for the MTA, not automatic.
MTA officials said toll increases due to congestion are unlikely next year and may not be necessary. Transportation authorities estimate that the new tolls could reduce peak-hour traffic by 15%.
Transportation officials also pointed out that toll increases were always expected on days of traffic congestion.
Mr. Hochul, who is aiming for re-election to the gubernatorial election in 2026, but suffers from low public approval ratings, also has great influence over the MTA, and on days when traffic congestion is a concern, he can reduce tolls. There is a possibility that the increase will be opposed.
A majority of New Yorkers oppose even the new $9 tax.
Congestion fees go into effect on January 5 and are set to rise to $12 for most vehicles in 2028 and $15 in 2031.
The MTA plans to use the expected revenue from tolls toward its $15 billion capital plan from 2020 to 2024.
Hochul and the MTA are working against the clock to impose new tolls before President-elect Donald Trump takes office and potentially tries to repeal them. The Biden administration has agreed to congestion pricing.
There are numerous pending lawsuits in Manhattan federal court, state court, and New Jersey that could potentially block the plan.
Then-Governor Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers gave the green light to move forward with congestion pricing in 2019.
A verdict is expected soon.
