Originally, the plan was going to charge drivers $15 to enter Manhattan’s Central Business District. Now the MTA is looking for alternative funding after the board voted to keep the plan on pause indefinitely © Mark Vergari/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) – The MTA board voted 11-1 to keep the controversial toll plan on hold. In the beginning of the month, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an indefinite pause on the toll that would charge drivers $15 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. She said that the plan put an unfair burden on drivers and workers like teachers who did not get exemption from the plan.
Several public officials gave testimonies ahead of the meeting including City Comptroller Brad Lander, who urged the board to push back against the governor’s pause. He said that the funding was crucial to a large majority of commuters that use the city’s public transportation. He also noted that the funds are needed to boost accessibility at subway stations. Congressman Jerry Nadler spoke as well, saying that the governor’s pause raises questions on the state executive’s authority over the transit agency.
Several major renovations are now on hold along with the congestion pricing plan. The MTA is scrambling to fill the $15 billion gap left in the capital budget. The agency also already spent $600 million installing over 100 license plate readers across the city to charge drivers.
