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New York governor halts Manhattan congestion charge
07 June 2024
by Christopher Carey
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered an indefinite halt to the implementation of a landmark congestion pricing plan that was due to go into effect at the end of this month.
In announcing the move, Hochul cited the rise in the cost of living, adding that there would be too many “unintended consequences” for New Yorkers at this time.
Under the plan, most drivers entering Manhattan at or below 60th Street would face a US$15 toll, with trucks and non-exempt buses paying up to US$36.
“After careful consideration I have come to the difficult decision that implementing the planned congestion pricing system risks too many unintended consequences,” Hochul said. “I have directed the MTA to indefinitely pause the programme.”
The announcement has been met with anger by proponents of the scheme, with transit advocacy group Riders Alliance protesting outside the governor’s office on Third Avenue in Manhattan on Wednesday evening.
“Congestion pricing is the lynchpin of New York’s recovery – this city runs on our subway,” said Danny Pearlstein, a spokesperson for Riders Alliance.
Opposition
The plan has faced fierce opposition however, and was being contested in court through eight separate lawsuits, including from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
A Siena College poll from April 2024 found that 63 percent of New York State voters were against the plan, with 25 percent in favour.
For New York City residents, 64 percent of voters were opposed, with 33 percent in favour.
The MTA had planned on leveraging US$15 billion in financing backed by the fees from congestion pricing for a number of upgrades to the city’s ageing transit network.
Posting on X, State Senator Liz Krueger said “the Governor’s reckless decision to effectively kill congestion pricing in New York City is a staggering error, and single-handedly creates a financial and fiduciary crisis for the MTA Board.”
Cities Today has contacted the MTA for comment.
Image: Adrian Williams