MTA’s Congestion Pricing Plan May Be Rebooted After Presidential Election
The MTA’s controversial congestion pricing plan for entering Manhattan was paused in June by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. But after the results of the presidential election, that could change.
Pause Button Lifted?
Traffic has moved at its usual snail’s pace in the city without a $15 toll to disincentive drivers from clogging up midtown. But with 75 days until President-elect Donald Trump takes office, Hochul was asked if she would use the time to start up the plan once again.
“We always knew the election would be a toss-up. This is a scenario we planned for,” Hochul said Wednesday.
Political Backlash
Hochul pressed pause on what would have been a first-in-the-nation plan just days before it was set to launch. Since that time, some drivers have been dreading the possibility of that $15 toll returning, saying it was too pricey.
And not only did it face driver opposition, but it drew political pushback as well. Months ago, then-candidate Trump posted on social media that “congestion pricing is a disaster” and vowed to undo it his first week in office.
Riders Alliance Supports Congestion Pricing
But the Riders Alliance, a group that supports the toll to generate billions of dollars to modernize mass transit and clean the polluted air, said now is the time to get it going.
“If Governor Hochul acts today the MTA can turn it in in 30 days, well in advance of January 20th and then change of administrations,” said Danny Pearlstein, of the Riders Alliance.
Financial Concerns
A new report from the State Comptroller found that MTA is in big trouble if the agency does not get the money expected from congestion pricing. On Wednesday, Gov. Hochul said an announcement regarding a lower congestion pricing will come before the end of this year.
Lower Congestion Pricing in the Works?
Hochul said she spoke to the White House in the leadup to Election Day, saying that they “understand it’s important that nothing compromises the MTA.”
If the governor were to lift the pause at a lower price — at $9 instead of the planned on $15 — it’s unclear if that would further delay the tolling start.
Conclusion
The fate of the MTA’s congestion pricing plan remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the plan’s supporters and opponents will be keeping a close eye on Governor Hochul’s next move. With a potential change in administration just around the corner, the clock is ticking for the governor to make a decision that will impact the city’s transportation infrastructure and the environment.
FAQs
Q: What is congestion pricing?
A: Congestion pricing is a system in which drivers are charged a fee to enter a certain area, typically during peak hours, in an effort to reduce traffic congestion and generate revenue for transportation infrastructure projects.
Q: Why did Governor Hochul pause the congestion pricing plan?
A: Governor Hochul paused the plan in June due to opposition from drivers and politicians, including then-candidate Trump, who vowed to undo it if elected.
Q: What are the benefits of congestion pricing?
A: The benefits of congestion pricing include reducing traffic congestion, generating revenue for transportation infrastructure projects, and improving air quality by reducing the number of cars on the road.
Q: What is the Riders Alliance?
A: The Riders Alliance is a group that supports the toll to generate billions of dollars to modernize mass transit and clean the polluted air.
