New Jersey’s Last-Ditch Effort to Stop MTA’s Congestion Pricing Plan Fails
A judge denied New Jersey’s last-ditch effort to stop the MTA’s long-anticipated, and at times much-maligned, congestion pricing plan from going into effect.
Judge’s Ruling
During a Friday afternoon hearing in Newark, Judge Leo Gordon ruled against granting a temporary restraining order that the state had filed. The state said it would file its appeal to the judge’s decision Friday evening or Saturday morning.
Reactions
"We respectfully disagree with the trial court’s decision not to halt New York’s congestion pricing program before it goes into effect on Sunday. The judge found that the Federal Highway Administration acted arbitrarily and capriciously in approving the MTA’s plan and that insufficient environmental mitigation commitments were made to New Jersey," said Randy Mastro, the state’s attorney.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said the agency was "gratified" by the judge’s decision to deny the injunction. "We’ve been studying this issue for five years, but it only takes about five minutes if you’re in midtown Manhattan to see that New York has a real traffic problem. Now, after untold numbers of lawsuits and lots of fighting in the press, the time for debating is over," he said.
New Jersey’s Concerns
New Jersey officials and attorneys had argued that Bergen County and other areas west of the Hudson will suffer environmentally from new traffic patterns. In looking for a temporary restraining order, the state was hoping to be granted time for the MTA to clarify and reconsider the plan.
"I am deeply disappointed that the Court has allowed the flawed congestion pricing plan to move forward, disregarding the severe environmental, public safety, and economic impacts it will impose," Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco said. "This decision underscores the urgent need for continued legal action to hold the MTA and FHWA accountable for their failure to address the adverse effects of this scheme."
Congestion Pricing Program
Congestion pricing is set to go into effect after midnight on January 5. The plan tolls drivers entering Manhattan south of 61st Street. The peak price for cars with EZ-Pass is $9, off-peak rates drop to $2.25. The MTA has touted the toll as a way to generate billions to modernize mass transit.
Public Reaction
New Yorkers who rely on the subway say the new fee mirrors what several international cities have implemented. "I lived in London a little bit and I know it’s helped a lot there," said Claire O’Donnell-McCarthy, who lives just north of the Manhattan zone on the west side.
Conclusion
The judge’s decision marks a significant milestone in the development of the MTA’s congestion pricing plan. While New Jersey has vowed to appeal the decision, the MTA is set to go ahead with the plan, which is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue to modernize mass transit.
FAQs
Q: What is congestion pricing?
A: Congestion pricing is a system that charges drivers a fee to enter a designated area, typically a city center, during peak hours to reduce traffic congestion and raise revenue for public transportation.
Q: What is the current plan?
A: The MTA’s plan tolls drivers entering Manhattan south of 61st Street, with peak prices at $9 and off-peak rates at $2.25.
Q: What were New Jersey’s concerns?
A: New Jersey officials and attorneys argued that Bergen County and other areas west of the Hudson will suffer environmentally from new traffic patterns and that the plan is flawed.
Q: What is the MTA’s stance?
A: The MTA has said that the plan is necessary to reduce traffic congestion and generate revenue for public transportation.
