New York Governor Kathy Hochul Faces Reality
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New York NY, with just 25 days remaining before the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) was set to launch a state-mandated congestion pricing plan for vehicles entering Manhattan, the program has been indefinitely postponed by an unexpected source: New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Governor’s Announcement
In a pre-taped video statement released Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Hochul expressed her concerns that the congestion pricing plan would negatively impact New Yorkers who are already struggling with an affordability crisis. She reassured residents of her commitment to finding alternative funding sources for the MTA and continuing efforts to combat congestion.
“The idea behind congestion pricing is it’ll encourage many current drivers to switch to transit, but now there is a third possibility … drivers can now choose to stay home altogether,” Hochul stated. “Let’s be real, a $15 charge may not seem like a lot to someone who has the means, but it can break the budget of a middle-class household. I cannot add another burden to working-class New Yorkers.”
Hochul directed the MTA to “indefinitely pause” the program, which was scheduled to begin tolling drivers on June 30.
Reactions and Implications
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a vocal critic of congestion pricing who previously sued the federal government over the plan, thanked Hochul for pausing the program.
“Although we have had a difference of opinion with our colleagues in New York on congestion pricing implementation, we have always had a shared vision for growing our regional economy, investing in infrastructure, protecting our environment, and creating good-paying jobs on both sides of the Hudson River,” Murphy said in a statement. “We fully embrace the notion that the success of Manhattan is inextricably linked to the prosperity of the entire tri-state area.”
Political Considerations
The postponement was first reported by Politico on Tuesday night, citing concerns that the plan could impact Democratic House candidates in suburban districts in the upcoming elections. Previously, Hochul had strongly advocated for congestion pricing as a means to improve the environment, enhance the region’s mass transportation system, and ensure safer streets.
Impact on Commuters and Businesses
The congestion pricing plan would have charged cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street between $3.75 and $15, depending on the time of day. The tolls would have particularly affected New Jersey drivers using the Holland and Lincoln tunnels, who would have been eligible for a $5 credit from the MTA. Low-income drivers could also register for a 50% discount on peak-hour tolls.
Among the reasons for the sudden hesitation is the potential impact on New York City businesses trying to recover post-pandemic. Last June, Hochul had praised congestion pricing as a vital measure for ensuring the city’s long-term health and vibrancy.
Legal Challenges
A federal judge in New Jersey is expected to issue a decision this month on a lawsuit filed by New Jersey, which demands a more thorough environmental review of the congestion pricing plan and its effects on the state.
Opposition and Support
New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a prominent opponent of the plan, celebrated the postponement. “After a five-year fight, New York appears to have done right by hardworking Jersey families and backed off their outrageous congestion tax,” Gottheimer said in a statement. “We threw the kitchen sink at New York — and then some — and got it done.”
Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco also praised the decision, emphasizing that congestion pricing would have merely redirected environmental issues to New Jersey.
However, advocates for the program are outraged. Kate Slevin, Executive Vice President of the Regional Plan Association, described the decision as a “betrayal.”
“Delaying congestion pricing will only hurt millions of transit riders relying on improvements and hinder the economic success of our broader region,” Slevin stated. “It means delays on critical transit projects like faster service on the A/C line, station upgrades, and bus electrification along with all the jobs that they bring. This move is a total betrayal of New Yorkers and our climate.”
The Regional Plan Association, which has supported the concept of congestion pricing for about three decades, continues to push for the plan’s implementation despite the political and logistical setbacks.
Follow the Ridgewood blog has a brand-new new X account, we tweet good sh$t
https://twitter.com/TRBNJNews
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
Postponed … until some time after the election.
On an unrelated matter, remember when they used to burn witches? That was crazy.
Hochul and Adams…NY is in trouble…