Hochul Halts Planned Congestion Toll Surge

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has blocked a proposed 25 percent increase to the Manhattan congestion toll on high-traffic days in 2025. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had planned to implement this surge pricing, adding to the base $9 toll set to begin January 5th.

<img src="https://patch.com/img/cdn20/ap/566479/20241227/105139/styles/patch_image/public/ap24354687266677___27105101348.jpg" alt="New York Gov. Kathy Hochul pumped the brakes Thursday on a plan to increase the price of Manhattan's new congestion toll on "gridlock alert" days.">

Hochul stated that she would "under no circumstances" allow the additional surcharge, citing the need to give hardworking New Yorkers a break. This decision follows an earlier announcement of a 40 percent reduction in the initial proposed congestion pricing toll.

Congestion Pricing Details

• The $9 congestion toll is scheduled to launch on January 5th, 2025.
• The MTA initially planned to increase the toll to $12 in 2028 and $15 in 2031.
• The toll aims to alleviate traffic congestion and fund public transit improvements.
• The revised plan includes service increases for outer borough bus routes and discounts for low-income drivers.

The initial congestion pricing plan, which proposed a $15 base toll, faced significant backlash and legal challenges before being revised. The federal government approved the reduced $9 toll in late December. The funds generated will support various projects including signal system modernization, subway extensions, new electric buses, and accessibility improvements across the city.

Governor's Statement

"Hardworking New Yorkers deserve a break, which is why I fought to cut the congestion pricing toll by 40 percent," Hochul said. "We have spoken to the MTA and made it clear: under no circumstances will I allow this discretionary 25% surcharge on gridlock days to be used."