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(New York, NY) — Governor Hochul and President Trump have been chatting on the phone about congestion pricing. CBS reports the two had an initial call, where Hochul told the president that the toll plan was working. Then there was a second call between the two. No word what was discussed that time. President Trump has said he wants to kill the plan that charges driver nine bucks to drive into midtown Midtown
The MTA says early data shows congestion pricing has led to faster commutes, less gridlock, and an increase in bus and subway ridership. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber says tens-of-thousands-of cars have managed to avoid entering below Manhattan’s 60th Street, saying it’s not only saving drivers time on bridges and tunnels, but on the Long Island Expressway and the New Jersey Turnpike.
The MTA Deputy Policy Chief says their data shows crossing times have been 17% faster at the Lincoln Tunnel and 48% faster at the Holland Tunnel, when compared to the same time last year. Commuting times on the Williamsburg Bridge and Queensboro Bridge have been 30% faster. Those taking buses into Manhattan have watched as their commutes have been shortened, on average by about ten percent since congestion pricing began.
The MTA says it can’t release any solid data, like how much money the toll is bringing in, until they can ensure drivers aren’t being double charged and check taxi and ride share information. The MTA does say some bus-routes are seeing a double digit increase in ridership while subway ridership is up by seven-percent on the weekdays.
