Governor Hochul Indefinitely Delays NYC $15 Congestion Pricing Plan

Jun 5, 2024, 09:53 PM

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has indefinitely postponed the implementation of congestion pricing in New York City, which was scheduled to start on June 30. The plan, which involved a $15 fee, was projected to generate $1 billion annually to fund public transportation infrastructure. Hochul's decision has sparked significant backlash from transit advocates and local officials who argue it will derail efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Instead, Hochul is considering a tax on NYC businesses to fill the funding gap. This move has been criticized for potentially overburdening city businesses and failing to address the root causes of congestion. NJ Gov. Murphy has also called for a higher tax on large corporations to help fund NJ Transit. The delay is seen as a political maneuver ahead of the upcoming elections, with concerns about its impact on the Democratic Party's standing among suburban voters. The decision has also raised questions about the future of crucial transit projects, including the 2nd Avenue Subway extension and ADA accessibility improvements. The MTA has not yet commented on the delay.