Gov. Kathy Hochul
© Tania Savayan/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) — Supporters of congestion pricing came to New York City court Friday (September 27, 2024) to get the program back on track. Advocates rallied outside the courthouse where a judge heard the first arguments for two lawsuits challenging governor Hochul’s reversal of the tolling program.
Friday’s efforts were in vain, however, as a judge denied Hochul’s motion to dismiss two lawsuits seeking the reinstatement of congestion pricing and will now hold a full hearing. Judge Arthur Engoron made the decision after hearing about two hours of arguments in a case brought by transportation and environmental advocates that support the fee.
The plan to charge drivers at least 15-dollars to enter below Manhattan’s 60th Street was set to go into effect on June 30th, with Hochul’s eleventh hour decision to pump the brakes sending supporters into a rage. Meantime, congestion pricing supporters were met with some hecklers who want the tax to be completely axed.
