Traffic heading into New York approaching the George Washington Bridge © Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) – We are only days away from the controversial congestion pricing plan going into effect. The new law charges passenger cars $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. For those traveling during off peak times – the charge is reduced to $2.25. The plan was up against multiple lawsuits from those surrounding Manhattan including New Jersey, Long Island, Westchester County and Staten Island.
Today, a judge got rid of a remaining speed bump for the plan, paving the way for the program to begin as scheduled January 5th. The lawsuit from the Garden State sought tens of millions of dollars claiming environmental harm to the other side of the river due to drivers attempting to avoid the tolls. The judge did admit that the Federal Highway Administration will need to look at the environmental impacts, but that can be done after the plan is enacted.
The plan was momentarily paused by Governor Kathy Hochul – then reintroduced with a lowered charge. The original congestion pricing plan was set to charge drivers a $15 toll, but now it has been reduced. In 2028 tolls will increase to $12 with the original $15 charge taking effect by 2031. President of the MTA, Janno Lieber, says the agency is “gratified” the judge sided with transit officials. However, New Jersey is not giving up the fight against the plan. Attorney for the state, Randy Mastro, said in a statement that the state remains “firmly opposed to any attempt to force through a congestion pricing proposal in the final weeks of the Biden Administration.” Many opposed to the plan simply call it a money-grab.
