New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy expressed his gratitude towards New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for her decision to halt the implementation of congestion pricing in Manhattan. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority also backed off fighting New Jersey’s legal battle against congestion pricing. Murphy and Hochul both recognize the importance of the success of Manhattan being linked to the prosperity of the Tri-State Area. Murphy also praised Mayor Eric Adams for his collaborative efforts and expressed his readiness to work together for the benefit of all residents.
Murphy had been a vocal critic of congestion pricing, even filing a lawsuit against the US Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the MTA, claiming that the toll unfairly burdened New Jersey. Despite the difference in opinion between New Jersey and New York on congestion pricing, Murphy emphasized the shared vision of growing the regional economy, investing in infrastructure, protecting the environment, and creating jobs on both sides of the Hudson River. New Jersey’s legal team had pushed for a delay of the plan’s implementation in April, arguing for a more comprehensive review of its economic and environmental impacts on the state.
During the hearing in April, New Jersey’s lawyers argued that the MTA had not adequately considered the impacts of the congestion plan on New Jersey and had not allocated any mitigation funds to the state. The case was being reviewed by federal Judge Leo Gordon, with a ruling expected ahead of the June 30 implementation date. Hochul’s decision to postpone the congestion pricing plan has put several lawsuits attempting to stop the rollout in limbo. The MTA informed federal judges in Manhattan that they no longer anticipate rolling out the plan on June 30, leaving the lawsuits, including those brought by various groups and individuals, in a state of uncertainty.
The legal cases attempting to halt the $15 toll in Manhattan include objections from the United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew, Republican Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, New Yorkers Against Congestion Pricing Tax, and a group of city residents. Mulgrew praised Hochul for listening to the concerns of educators and New Yorkers regarding the impacts of congestion pricing on struggling communities and for making the decision to pause the plan. The MTA has communicated to the courts that they will provide updates on any further developments related to the plan’s implementation.
Overall, the decision by New York Gov. Hochul to delay congestion pricing in Manhattan has received mixed reactions. While some, like Gov. Murphy, have welcomed the decision and expressed willingness to continue collaborating for the benefit of residents, others, like New Jersey’s legal team, had hoped for a more comprehensive review of the toll’s impacts. The pause in implementation has left ongoing lawsuits in limbo, with uncertainties surrounding the future of congestion pricing in Manhattan. Participants in these lawsuits, including various organizations and individuals, are now awaiting further updates on the status of the plan.
