© Mark Vergari/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, New York) – New York Governor Kathy Hochul is delaying the MTA’s controversial congestion pricing plan, but not for the reason you’d expect. Multiple reports have come out saying Hochul is getting more and more worried about the elections this Fall. The “New York Times” is reporting she thinks the tolling plan will negatively impact how New Yorkers view Democrats when they step into polling stations in November.
Congestion pricing is set to go into effect on streets and avenues below 60th Street. The toll amount will depend on the type of vehicle, along with the time of day. The MTA says congestion pricing will raise money for new subway trains, signal overhauls, a new expansion of the Second Avenue subway into East Harlem and other major projects, while reducing traffic congestion in Manhattan.
The delay comes from two issues at hand. Gov. Hochul says the city has yet to recover from the pandemic economically. It also seems to be because Democrats are facing difficult House races in the New York City suburbs. Republicans even planned to use this against Democrats in their races.
The MTA declined to comment, they could be facing a $1 billion budget deficit without implementation.
