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Living in the Big Apple is about to get even more expensive. Governor Hochul is about to bring back congestion pricing to New York City.
As reported by the New York Times, the politician has announced she is reviving her plan for congestion pricing. Originally announced in April, state officials were aiming to impose an additional $15 dollar toll on vehicles that enter Manhattan below 61st Street. Commercial trucks, however, would face a higher fee of anywhere from $24 to $36 depending the axle count, dimensions, weight and other factors. The original idea was met with harsh criticism from citizens and business owners alike. Ultimately, the plan was put on hold in June.
This version of the plan has a reduced rate, which starts at $9 for regular cars. She detailed the reasoning during a formal press conference. “I’m proud to announce we have found a path to fund the MTA, reduce congestion and keep millions of dollars in the pockets of our commuters,” the governor said. She went on to add that citizens who make than less than $50,000 a year will receive a 50% discount after their 10th entry. Additionally, the toll overall will be cut after 9 p.m.
According to the New York Post, President-elect Donald Trump is not in favor of the move. “I have great respect for the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, and look forward to working with her to make New York and America Great Again. But I strongly disagree with the decision on the congestion tax,” he said in an exclusive statement to the newspaper.
The congestion pricing is currently being finalized but could start as early as January. You can see Governor Kathy Hochul’s press conference below.
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Commuters in the Big Apple are breathing a sigh of relief. New York City’s proposed congestion pricing has been shelved by the state’s governor.
As reported by Raw Story, the Metropolitan Transit Authority has put the first ever congestion pricing on pause. Back in April, it was announced that New York City would impose additional tolls on automobiles that enter Manhattan at 61st Street or below with a $15 fee while trucks would face a fee ranging from $24 and $36 depending on size. As expected the plan was met with sharp criticism from residents, environmentalists and business owners who were not exempt.
The initiative was set to go into effect on Sunday, June 30, but Governor Kathy Hochul abruptly pulled the plug. The New York Times called the decision was a “stunning 11th-hour shift.” The politician released a statement detailing her decision. “After careful consideration I have come to the difficult decision that implementing the planned congestion pricing system risks too many unintended consequences,” she said “I have directed the MTA to indefinitely pause the program.”
Hochul would go and point out that the fees could possibly do more harm than good. “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 hard-working middle-class household.”
According to transit officials, close to 700,000 vehicles enter Manhattan everyday.
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