New Jersey residents, officials urge MTA not to move forward with congestion pricing
The federal government has already approved the plan, but the MTA must still determine pricing rates.
Hearings took place on Wednesday regarding New York’s congestion pricing plan.
The plan, which is likely to go through, would put an additional financial burden on New Jersey residents who travel into Manhattan south of 60th Street.
The MTA Board already approved fair hikes for New York City buses and subways – transportation services that many New Jersey residents use. The Board started discussing congestion pricing by the afternoon.
The federal government has already approved the plan, but the MTA must still determine pricing rates. They could be anywhere from $9 to $23.
RELATED: New Jersey officials prepare to fight New York’s congestion pricing plan
The plan is expected to raise $1 billion for the MTA to improve subways, buses and rail lines. Many New Jersey residents say the funds are coming out of their pockets. Some at Wednesday’s hearing urged the MTA to vote no on the plan.
“It's an absolute problem, so please, help us out. Don’t harm us. Vote no on the proposal,” says Jack Nierenberg, of Passengers United.
A New Jersey cab driver tells News 12 New Jersey that for every $10 he currently earns, New York City gets $6. He says that if congestion pricing is approved, it will make things harder for him.
Congestion pricing could be in place as soon as the spring.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer discusses plans to fight congestion pricing plan
