Congestion Pricing Supporters Take Aim at Gov. Hochul in Six-Figure Ad Campaign

Congestion Pricing Supporters Blast Gov. Hochul in Six-Figure Ad Campaign

Congestion pricing advocates are ramping up their efforts to get the long-awaited tolling program off the ground, launching a six-figure ad campaign targeting Gov. Kathy Hochul directly. The 30-second spot, aired on cable TV and streaming services by the Riders Alliance, accuses Hochul of "canceling congestion pricing" and blames her for "trapping New Yorkers in endless traffic" and "slower emergency responses for ambulances and firefighters."

"Hochul's delays keep our air dirty, our streets clogged and our ambulances gridlocked," the ad's voiceover declares. "Gov. Hochul must put public safety, clean air and public transit above cheap political stunts."

The Riders Alliance, which spent a significant sum on the ad campaign, emphasizes the urgency of the situation. With President-elect Donald Trump vowing to scrap the program upon taking office in January, they see this as a last-ditch effort to secure its future.

"This is our last, best shot at having the program for any time in the foreseeable future," said Riders Alliance spokesperson Danny Pearlstein. "There has been an enormous outpouring of support for congestion pricing that has crescendoed right now. The governor needs to know it and she needs to see it herself."

Beyond Congestion Pricing

In other news, Uber's threat to lay off thousands of drivers in New York City if the city doesn't reduce its driver minimum wage continues to dominate headlines. Critics argue that paying drivers a living wage is essential, even in a city with extensive mass transit options.

Meanwhile, Newsday reports that toll evasion crackdowns haven't been effective in reducing toll evasion, and two Manhattan business leaders warn that Hochul's potential total abandonment of congestion pricing could choke the city's mobility.

Adding to the concerns, a study finding 89% of MTA workers had experienced assault on the job was retracted by NYU researchers after its validity was called into question.

Other NYC News

• Interim NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon is seeking the full-time position.
• An MTA bus driver crashed after suffering a medical episode, injuring three passengers.
• Curbed and NYU Furman's Matthew Murphy offer predictions about the housing agenda under a second Trump administration.
• Despite Sunday's rain, New York City's drought persists.
• Trump has nominated climate-skeptic Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA.