NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul is moving forward with New York’s long-delayed congestion pricing program, set to launch on December 29 at midnight, according to sources close to the governor’s office. The plan, which introduces a $9 base toll for passenger cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street, is expected to be approved by the MTA board at their upcoming meeting on November 20.
This $9 rate represents a 40% reduction from the originally proposed $15 toll, providing drivers with significant savings, especially those commuting regularly into Manhattan. A daily commuter could save up to $1,500 annually compared to the previous toll structure. However, it was the high cost of the original toll that was supposed to help curb traffic.
New York lawmakers first passed the congestion pricing initiative in 2019 with the goal of funding $15 billion in crucial MTA transit improvements. However, in June, Hochul delayed the program’s rollout, citing the impact of inflation on drivers. Sources say that the governor also faced pressure from Democratic congressional leaders to wait until after the election, as they hoped to secure support for competitive suburban House races.
Despite the discount, Hochul may face questions about the toll’s effectiveness in reducing congestion, as some believe the higher toll would have provided a stronger deterrent. The Federal Highway Administration still needs to approve the toll, and President-elect Donald Trump has expressed opposition to the program, pledging to dismantle it. However, transit advocates argue that launching the program before his term begins could complicate his efforts.
The governor’s office and the MTA have not yet issued any statements in response to questions on the matter.
