Lawmakers: Congestion pricing pause will save New Jersey commuters upwards of $15 a day

The approximately 400,000 New Jersey residents who commute into Manhattan each day would have been affected.

Kimberly Bukowiec

Jun 5, 2024, 9:13 PM

Updated 126 days ago

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The news that New York City’s congestion pricing plan was put on hold is welcomed by New Jersey drivers.
State lawmakers have been fighting on behalf of New Jersey families who would have been impacted by New York state’s planned program.
The approximately 400,000 New Jersey residents who commute into Manhattan each day would have been affected.
“They not only couldn't afford this, they also couldn’t afford another $15 a day to tax out of their pocketbook. Especially with what they pay right now in Jersey to go across the bridge or through the tunnel or pay to park to get to work,” said Rep. Josh Gottheimer.
"It's too much for the commuters," said Sahir, a resident of Woodbridge. "You're suffering already in terms of stress and have to be there and in addition to that, you have to pay more money."
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed the MTA to indefinitely pause the planned system that would have generated a projected $1 billion a year, citing it risks too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers.
If put into effect, congestion pricing would have required drivers to pay additional money to enter Manhattan at 61st Street and below.
Cars would be charged an additional $15 and trucks would be charged between $24 and $36, depending on size.
As a result of the pause, the MTA says that several projects may be upheld.