MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Congestion pricing is canceled-- at least for now.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s abrupt turnabout came just three weeks before the first tolls were collected and in a politically charged year.
“I have come to the difficult decision that implementing the planned congestion pricing system risks too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers this time,” Hochul said in a pre-taped statement released to reporters.
She did not take any questions.
Hochul pointed to inflation, Manhattan’s office vacancy rate and changing lifestyles post-pandemic as her reasons. For years, and even in recent months, Hochul rallied with rallying advocates and progressive politicians to support congestion pricing.
In the wake of Hochul's scuttling of the plan, some of those same allies rallied outside her Midtown office on Wednesday.
They said congestion pricing promised to deliver billions of dollars in transit improvements, less traffic and better air quality.
They had hoped the governor would continue to support them as the June 30th implementation date drew near in this election year.
“Look, I get it; there are people saying they don't want it to go into effect,” NYC Comptroller Brad Lander said. “But everywhere it has been put in place, people adjust, and we all reap the benefits. So, this is a time for political courage. That's what we're saying to Gov. Hochul.”
But those opposed to the plan said this was the simple reality of the situation setting in with cars on the verge of passing under the gantries already setup along 60th Street, being charged up to $15 a day. Trucks would pay more depending on size.
“Once the congestion pricing plan was not accompanied by massive service increases, it became a betrayal of working people in the outer boroughs and the suburbs,” said John Samuelsen, Transit Workers Union President. “Working New Yorkers show their frustration at the ballot box, and somebody looked at some polling. That's what it demonstrated.”
Hochul said there was some short-term funding to continue with the MTA’s current $15 Billion Capital plan, but she would work with the legislature to identify other revenue moving forward.
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