A federal judge in Newark, New Jersey, has denied the state's request to suspend implementation of New York City's controversial congestion pricing plan.
According to reports, the ruling allows the project to begin as planned on Sunday. fox 5.
New Jersey leaders who filed suit against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority contended that the agency's environmental review was insufficient.
Judge Leo Gordon previously said regulators must specify how much New Jersey communities would receive to reduce the potential pollution impacts of congestion pricing. However, he did not say whether a fee would be implemented.
Federal Judge's Ruling on New York City Congestion Charges. Different interpretations between parties
A federal judge in Newark, New Jersey, has denied the state's request to suspend implementation of New York City's controversial congestion pricing plan. (Getty Images)
In Friday's ruling, Gordon said there was no basis for delaying toll collection.
New Jersey attorney Randy Mastro said he plans to appeal to block congestion pricing from starting.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber praised the ruling, pointing to the potential benefits of congestion pricing.
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The ruling allows the project to begin as planned on Sunday. (Getty Images)
“We've been studying this problem for five years, and it only takes about five minutes if you're in midtown Manhattan to realize that New York actually has a transportation problem,” Lieber said at a press conference. Ta. “I know there has been a lot of discussion about this program and many people are concerned about the impact of congestion pricing. That’s what I want to say.”
Congestion pricing is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue to modernize New York's transportation infrastructure, but New Jersey officials and commuters say it unfairly hurts people who drive from outside New York City. The government has faced criticism for imposing heavy burdens on the government.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber praised the ruling, pointing to the potential benefits of congestion pricing. (Getty Images)
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Some commuters could be hit with fees of up to $22 per day, including existing fees for passing through the Port Authority.
President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly said he intends to block the plan after he takes office later this month.
