Gov. Kathy Hochul’s updated $9 toll plan may be implemented by Jan. 5, despite facing a few obstacles.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has made the decision to reintroduce the congestion pricing plan in Manhattan, with tolls set at $9 for most passenger cars. This decision comes after the plan was put on hold in June due to concerns about the high toll rates. The new toll rate is lower than the previously approved $15, and is expected to take effect in early January.
The revival of the congestion pricing plan has raised questions about whether the lower tolls will be sufficient to generate the $15 billion needed for mass transit repairs. There are also concerns about the potential impact of President-elect Donald Trump, who could potentially overturn the plan once he takes office.
Winnie Hu, an experienced journalist who has covered congestion pricing for over a decade, provides insights into the decision to set the toll at $9. This amount was chosen as it was the smallest figure that had already been studied, with toll rates ranging from $9 to $23 considered before settling on $15. The urgency to implement the plan before Trump’s inauguration date has limited the time available for further studies on different toll amounts.
Overall, the reintroduction of the congestion pricing plan with a $9 toll for most passenger cars signals a significant development in efforts to address traffic congestion in Manhattan. It remains to be seen how effective the plan will be in generating revenue for transit repairs and whether it will face challenges from the incoming administration.
Source: The NY Times
