Congestion Pricing Begins for Motorists Driving to Midtown Manhattan
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Congestion pricing went into effect on Sunday for people who drive into Manhattan south of 60th Street after unsuccessful legal challenges to prevent the new toll.
Supporters hailed the decision to move forward with the plan, arguing that it will relieve traffic in Manhattan’s Central Business District that will make the city cleaner and less polluted, cut response time for emergency vehicles and raise desperately needed revenue to pay for MTA infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, opponents have decried the fee as gouging hardworking New Yorkers with an unnecessary toll.
A decision by a New Jersey judge late Friday afternoon paved the way as attempts by the state of New Jersey to prevent the implementation of congestion pricing failed.
Most drivers heading into the district, which includes all streets from 60th Street down to the southern tip of Manhattan, are now paying a $9 toll between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends. The off-peak toll is $2.25 for most vehicles.
Tolls will not be collected for drivers who stay on the West Side Highway, FDR Drive and the approaches to the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (formerly the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel).
The MTA estimates that on an average weekday, there will be 80,000 fewer cars entering the Central Business District. In recent years, the average vehicle speed in midtown Manhattan fell to about seven miles per hour, according to the MTA.
“The start of congestion pricing is without a doubt a victory for every New Yorker,” said Sarah Lind, co-executive director of Open Plans, an organization that prioritizes community and promotes active mobility, and connection.
“This common-sense, long overdue policy has worked in other cities and will work for us here. Whether you’re a bus rider frustrated with commute times, a pedestrian navigating a hectic Central Business District or a driver stuck in traffic, congestion pricing is the right thing to do. We’re grateful to the many advocates, elected officials and everyday New Yorkers whose support of congestion pricing has given us the ability to create a greener, safer and healthier future.”
State Sen. Robert Rolison (D-Poughkeepsie) blasted the move, saying it will saddle Hudson Valley residents and businesses that must access the city with vehicles with higher costs, creating significant financial strain for many who are already struggling with affordability.
Rolison called it misguided action on the part of state leadership “to improve the MTA’s finances on the backs of Hudson Valley residents without restoring or expanding service.”
“From the start, congestion pricing has been legislation that punishes more than it helps,” Rolison said. “It is not a long-term solution for the MTA’s ongoing budgetary struggles and will only burden hardworking commuters, especially those from the Hudson Valley and Orange County, specifically where there are no continuous single-seat train ride options into New York City for work, essential medical care and more.”
However, state Sen. Peter Harckham (D-Lewisboro) said the money is secondary to the economic, health and environmental benefits. For example, Metro-North improvements, including the construction of new stations in the Bronx, will help Westchester and Putnam, he said.
As part of the 2019 congestion pricing package, both Metro-North and the Long Island Railroad saw $1.5 billion earmarked for improvements over five years.
“Having a vibrant Metro-North is critical to the economy in Westchester and Putnam County because many of our essential workers are coming from New York City,” Harckham said. “Why are they building four new stations in the Bronx? So these workers can come north, not so they can go south.”
After Friday’s court ruling, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a statement vowing to continue fighting New York’s congestion pricing. New Jersey commuters also saw a toll increase on Jan. 1 for the Hudson River crossings.
“We respectfully disagree with the trial court’s decision not to halt New York’s congestion pricing program before it goes into effect on Sunday,” Murphy stated. “The judge found that the Federal Highway Administration acted arbitrarily and capriciously in approving the MTA’s plan and that insufficient environmental mitigation commitments were made to New Jersey. We will continue to fight for the people of New Jersey by seeking emergency relief from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.”
But New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called the decision “a massive win for commuters in both New York and New Jersey,” touting how the toll was lowered by 40 percent since she put a pause on congestion pricing last June.
“Commuters deserve a world-class transit system that’s safe, efficient and modern. Local residents deserve clean air and safe streets. Drivers deserve less congestion and reduced traffic,” Hochul said.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/
