New York’s first congestion pricing program, set to take effect on June 30th, has been put on hold indefinitely by Governor Kathy Hochul. The plan, which would charge a $15 fee for cars entering Midtown and Lower Manhattan, was enacted in 2019 with the goals of reducing traffic and emissions while providing funding for public transit improvements.
However, circumstances have changed since then due to the pandemic. With more people working remotely and changes in tourism and crime rates, Gov. Hochul has decided that implementing the planned congestion pricing system could have unintended consequences for New Yorkers at this time.
In response to her decision, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed his support and praised Gov. Hochul’s collaboration with newly elected NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Last year, Murphy’s administration filed a lawsuit against the Federal Highway Administration over concerns about rushed approval of the congestion pricing plan.
Overall,the pause on NYC’s congestion pricing plan is seen as a necessary step in responding to current conditions rather than relying on outdated rhetoric from years ago.
