Gov. Kathy Hochul to announce revised program before Donald Trump takes office.
New York City is set to reintroduce its congestion pricing program, which will impose a $9 toll on most vehicles entering Midtown and Lower Manhattan. Governor Kathy Hochul will announce the revised plan, reducing the initial $15 charge for cars during peak hours. The new proposal will be expedited for implementation, with the aim of enacting it before the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump.
State officials are confident that the program can move forward without the need for a new environmental review, as the previous assessment considered tolls ranging from $9 to $23. The state and city must finalize an agreement with transportation officials in the Biden administration, who have expressed support for the initiative.
The decision to revive the congestion pricing plan comes amid mounting pressure on Governor Hochul to secure funding for the transit system. Legal challenges from congestion pricing advocates have added to the urgency of implementing the tolling system.
Governor Hochul’s abrupt decision to halt the toll in June, just before its scheduled launch, surprised many New Yorkers. While she cited concerns about the $15 toll being too high, speculation arose that political considerations may have also influenced her decision, particularly with the upcoming election.
By reintroducing the congestion pricing program at a reduced rate, New York aims to address traffic congestion, improve air quality, and generate revenue for public transportation infrastructure. The revised plan reflects a compromise between affordability for drivers and the need for sustainable funding for the city’s transit system.
Source: The NY Times
