New York City is set to become the first in the U.S. to introduce a congestion charge, with implementation starting January 5, Governor Kathy Hochul announced.
It “will unclog our streets, reduce pollution, and deliver better public transit,” Hochul said Thursday announcing the program. The rebooted plan has lower tolls than originally proposed: Cars would pay $9, small trucks $14.40, and big trucks and tourist buses $21.60 for entrance into Manhattan below 60th Street during daytime hours.
The congestion charge would raise money for the MTA while, in turn, taking some of the pressure off Manhattan’s perpetually clogged streets. Supporters like the Riders Alliance hailed the move as a crucial milestone for better public transportation. “We’ll keep pushing this plan and its benefits for riders,” they said on X, formerly Twitter.
It has targeted the critique of many since its establishment, even though it aims to ease traffic congestion and generate revenue. Former President Donald Trump was expected to re-enter the Oval Office in January and expressed his disapproval by labeling it an “absurd congestion tax.” Local Republicans-most notably Congressman Mike Lawler-called for Trump to scrap the scheme once he takes office.
But Hochul refuses to budge. She insisted the charge be levied come hell or high water, or political pressure. “I’m not driven by election timelines,” she said during what seemed like an attempt to ward off speculation about the timing of her announcement.
Critics have questioned the timing of the program as it did just months after the U.S. general election. But Hochul insists congestion pricing will resolve several main concerns, which include pollution, traffic, and a shortage in the finances meant for public transit.
This makes New York a leader in adopting daring solutions to moving traffic and, at the same time, leading all cities nationwide in the same direction.
