Is it the end of congestion pricing already? Trump, Hochul in talks over toll’s future
A potential threat to the MTA’s congestion pricing plan
In the 36 days congestion pricing has been in effect, there’s been something looming over the nation’s first congestion toll: President Donald Trump.
Over the weekend, the president reportedly gave exclusive comments to the New York Post in which he referenced recent conversations with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“I think it’s really horrible, but I want to discuss it with her at this point,” Trump said about congestion pricing. “If I decide to do it, I will be able to kill it off in Washington through the Department of Transportation.
Impacts on the MTA’s plans
While many drivers might celebrate the end of the $9 peak toll that’s only been in place for seven weeks, others have enjoyed a noticeable reduction in traffic.
The MTA has already been banking on major projects to be paid for by the revenue from congestion tolling — from the extension of the Second Avenue subway to modern signals for older subway lines to accessibility projects, like elevators at more stations.
Accessibility projects move forward
The transit agency announced one of those accessibility pilot projects on Monday: Convo Access, a live, on-call service providing interpreters to hearing-impaired commuters.
“We are committed to it, that is not wavering and we are not changing our narrative,” MTA Chief Disability Officer Quemel Arroyo said Monday.
Government responses
Meanwhile, the governor’s office said Hochul is open to continuing conversations with Trump.
“Governor Hochul has had several productive calls with President Trump and is happy to talk with anyone, anytime about how this program is benefitting New Yorkers and the entire metro region,” her office said in a statement over the weekend.
Lawsuit threat
Supporters of congestion pricing have vowed to sue if the president takes action to end the toll.
New York Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican, said if the feds approved the project, Trump has the authority to take it away.
“The president has the ability to go reverse the rubber stamping of the Biden administration that said there was a finding of no significant impact,” Malliotakis said.
Uncertainty surrounding the future of congestion pricing
It’s not clear exactly how soon the president may take action on congestion pricing. Trump and Hochul are expected to discuss the situation again — though another call has not been scheduled yet.
Conclusion
The future of congestion pricing in New York City remains uncertain as President Trump and Governor Hochul continue their discussions. While some may be eager for the end of the $9 peak toll, others have benefited from the reduction in traffic congestion. The MTA’s plans for major projects, including accessibility initiatives, are at stake.
FAQs
* What is congestion pricing?
+ Congestion pricing is a toll system implemented in New York City to reduce traffic congestion and generate revenue for transportation projects.
* What is the current toll?
+ The current toll is $9 for peak hours.
* What projects is the MTA planning to fund with congestion toll revenue?
+ The MTA is planning to fund major projects, including the extension of the Second Avenue subway, modern signals for older subway lines, and accessibility projects, like elevators at more stations.
* What is the current state of the MTA’s plans?
+ The MTA has already started implementing some of its plans, including the Convo Access pilot project, and is committed to moving forward with its initiatives, despite the uncertainty surrounding congestion pricing.
