New York state leaders are considering revisiting congestion pricing in Manhattan, which would charge drivers $15 per entry-day. This is reportedly being considered to implement before President-elect Trump takes office. However, some state Republicans have asked Trump to reverse what they believe was a wrongly-accelerated process by the Biden administration in moving forward with the congestion pricing plan.
The plan for congestion pricing involves the implementation of a video-enforced toll at newly-built gantries surrounding the city’s core. Traffic below 60th Street and Central Park, and entering from New Jersey, Brooklyn, or Queens would be subject to the toll, aside from those coming in via RFK Triboro Bridge. The Republicans have expressed concerns about the burden this additional tax would place on New York families and workers, as well as the negative impact it could have on residents of low-income neighborhoods.
New Jersey has joined Long Island lawmakers in bipartisan opposition to the congestion pricing plan, with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy stating that he is firmly opposed to any attempt to implement the toll in the final months of the Biden Administration. New Jersey and Long Island representatives view the plan as a commuter “cash grab” that would primarily benefit the MTA and contribute to a deficit.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber highlighted the problems within New York’s transit system, including slow buses and increased car accidents. He emphasized the importance of fixing these issues, suggesting that if first responders were stuck in traffic, it would prompt urgent action. Governor Hochul previously suggested a slightly lower price point than the original $15, around $9, in light of inflation. Lieber indicated that they are open to exploring whether a lower toll could still achieve the desired revenue goals.
Democratic New York City Comptroller Bradford Lander has expressed concerns about the potential impact of Trump’s presidency on various aspects of New York City, including education, housing, health care, and transit, as well as the risk of mass deportations. The news of revisiting congestion pricing comes as the state of New York is facing challenges in its transit system and fiscal responsibilities. New York leaders are debating the implementation of congestion pricing, considering various factors such as revenue goals and potential impacts on residents and commuters.
