
During a press conference on Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the indefinite suspension of the congestion pricing program, noting that the pause allows for reconsideration of the plan rather than its termination.
When asked by reporter Juliet Papa about potential changes to the fees, timings, and areas affected by the congestion pricing, Hochul replied, “All options are on the table for future conversations.”
“There’s a big difference between a pause and elimination,” she added. “Elimination was an option.”
Governor Hochul clarified that the congestion pricing plan is not being eliminated but mentioned the need for innovative funding solutions for public transportation improvements. “To assume that the only funding source had to be congestion pricing shows a lack of imagination about understanding other opportunities,” she stated.
Hochul reaffirmed her commitment to mass transit projects. “I understand the level of concern at this time. But as the governor of the State of New York, I am committed to continuing those projects with alternative funding that is being worked out with the legislature. I gave them a number of options. Those conversations are very much alive and ongoing, and it will be resolved.”
Although specific alternative funding sources were not detailed, Hochul indicated ongoing discussions with legislative leaders and MTA Chairman Janno Lieber.
“I spoke to Janno Lieber yesterday, and he has been working hard with me,” Hochul said.
Lieber has yet to publicly comment on the pause since Hochul instructed the MTA to “indefinitely pause” the congestion pricing plan for Manhattan, which was nearly a month away from starting. She expressed concerns about the plan’s financial impact on everyday New Yorkers and the city’s post-pandemic recovery.
In a recorded statement last week, Hochul described the decision as “difficult” and reiterated her support for the environmental goals of the plan, such as reducing congestion and pollution. However, she emphasized that implementing the tolling now would “risk too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers.”
She highlighted the financial strain on New Yorkers, citing inflation and the high cost of living. She also noted that the landscape in Manhattan has changed post-pandemic, with remote work becoming more prevalent.
“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 hardworking or middle-class household. It puts the squeeze on the very people who make this city go,” she said in her address.
“This decision is about doing what’s right for the people who make our city thrive,” she said. “I’m here to say we are listening.”
Politico reported that Hochul is also mindful of the impact on vulnerable Democrats in competitive U.S. House races, with elections looming in five months. Hochul addressed these speculations by stating, “To those cynics who question my motivation, I approach every decision through one lens: What is best for New Yorkers?”
With no implementation date set, the state will support the MTA capital plan and explore alternative funding options as needed.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed his support for the governor’s decision to reassess the plan. “If she’s looking at what others we can do it and how we can do it correctly, I’m all for it,” he said. “This is a major shift for our city and it has to be done correctly.”
MTA board members, who oversee the transit agency, reported being caught off guard by the delay. “I’m in shock,” said Andrew Albert, a board member. “We won’t get new buses, new subway cars, new signals. It’s a betrayal of the millions and millions of people who would have been helped by this.”
The surprising decision came less than a month before the Manhattan congestion toll was scheduled to start on June 30. The MTA had already invested millions in installing cameras, sensors, license plate readers, and other equipment. The agency also planned public webinars to explain the system, which are now postponed “until further notice,” according to the MTA website.
The MTA had been moving forward with the controversial tolling program despite facing numerous lawsuits and opposition from various groups, including cab drivers, truckers, suburban commuters, small business owners, and the state of New Jersey. Some of these lawsuits are still pending in court.
{Matzav.com}
Right.
Just let us win the elections, and THEN we will really skewer you. Please give us another chance to ruin your quality of life.
Until November, however, we will continue posturing as being for the working class.
Maybe she woke up to the reality that Manhattan needs outsiders more than outsiders need Manhattan.
Usually people consider all options and think before implementing a solution not after.
“Pause “. sure we all assumed that. Pause till after the elections !!
“Terminate “ a tax? Never an option.
It will be back
IOW We are waiting until after the elections and the Democrats win again to implement it
At least this time, her shaitel is in place. It looks good.