Congestion pricing in New York City is set to move forward, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing that the toll program will be implemented by the New Year. The initial plan for $15 tolls has been reduced to $9 for cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street during the daytime. Hochul believes this reduction will help fund the MTA, reduce congestion, and provide savings for commuters. Low-income New Yorkers will receive discounts on tolls, with those making less than $50,000 a year receiving a 50% discount on tolls after their 10th trip in a month. Additional toll reductions will also be implemented after 9 p.m.
The $9 toll is expected to provide the $15 billion in funding needed for MTA projects, including modern signals, the Second Avenue subway, and new elevators for stations. Hochul has also directed the MTA to enhance services on at least 23 bus routes in the outer boroughs. The pause on congestion pricing, which was put in place in June, was lifted to move forward with the program. Hochul had initially halted the program due to concerns that the $15 tolls would be too high for New Yorkers and commuters. There were also political pressures to delay the program until after the 2024 election.
The decision to move forward with congestion pricing at a lower toll without conducting another lengthy environmental review has been met with approval from the Federal Highway Administration. The New York project sponsors have notified the FHWA of the updated plan, and steps are being taken to finalize the agreement. However, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has criticized the move, stating that New Jersey officials were not consulted on the plan. He believes that imposing a $9 toll during a time of economic strain and inflation is not ideal for individuals traveling into Manhattan for work, school, or leisure.
Advocates for congestion pricing argue that it will help reduce gridlock in Manhattan, decrease air pollution, and fund essential MTA projects. They see it as a vital step towards improving transportation in the city. On the other hand, opponents view congestion pricing as a tax on motorists, especially working-class commuters. They are pleased with the pause on the tolls, which they believe would have had a negative impact on the finances of many individuals in the city and beyond. Overall, the decision to move forward with congestion pricing at a reduced toll aims to strike a balance between funding essential MTA projects and easing the financial burden on commuters.
