Countdown to congestion pricing: Gov. Hochul fires back at MTA's extra 'surcharge'
The controversial congestion pricing plan is set to begin on Jan. 5. Now the Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it has the authority to hike the price 25% on gridlock alert days.
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In just nine days, drivers will soon see an additional $9 charge when entering Manhattan below 60th Street.
The controversial congestion pricing plan is set to begin on Jan. 5. Now the Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it has the authority to hike the price 25% on gridlock alert days.
Gov. Kathy Hochul fired back, saying she will not allow this additional charge.
"We have spoken to the MTA and made it clear; under no circumstances will I allow this discretionary 25% surcharge on gridlock days to be use," Hochul wrote in a statement.
The extra surcharge was revealed in a footnote on the last page of the New York State Register's rule book that was released on Tuesday.
"The Authority reserves the right to charge a 25% higher CBD charge for gridlock alert days," the footnote read.
The gridlock days are ultimately determined by the city Department of Transportation and can include the holidays or when the UN General Assembly meets, considered to be busiest travel days in Manhattan.
The goal of the tolling plan is to reduce traffic by encouraging drivers to take public transportation and raise money for capital improvement projects.
Commuters are discouraged by the additional fees that they could be charged.
"It's definitely an astronomical amount. It's very difficult for everyday workers to get by," said Todd Cooper.
The plan was originally set to begin in June. However, Hochul paused the plan. It made a comeback in November under a restructured pricing plan, reducing the original $15 rate to $9.
"Hardworking New Yorkers deserve a break, which is why I fought to cut congestion pricing toll by 40%. This will reduce traffic in Manhattan and fund long-overdue investments in public transit while keeping costs lower for New Yorkers who drive into the city," the governor wrote in a statement.
