NEW YORK (PIX11) – The start of congestion pricing in Manhattan, which was set to go into effect on June 30, has now been delayed indefinitely, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.
“Implementing the planned congestion pricing system risks too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers at this time,” Hochul said. “Let’s be real: a $15 charge may not mean a lot to someone who has the means, but it can break the budget of a working- or middle-class household.”
Under the congestion pricing plan, cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street would be charged a $15 toll during peak hours. Trucks and buses would be charged between $24 to $36, depending on their size.
Toll revenue generated from congestion pricing was expected to fund $15 billion in capital improvements for the MTA.
The MTA planned to use congestion pricing revenue to help fund the following projects.
Accessibility improvements
- Increase accessibility throughout the transit system by adding more ramps and elevators in dozens of stations
New electric buses
- Add more than 250 new battery electric buses and charging infrastructure in each of the five boroughs
Elevators and escalator replacements
- Replace elevators and escalators at more than 20 subway stations
Infrastructure improvements
- Upgrade tracks, bridges and public address systems at subway stations, among other infrastructure improvements
Upgrading power facilities
- Improve conditions in the MTA's network of substations and other facilities that power trains and lighting throughout the transit system
New railcars and buses
- Add new railcars and buses
Second Avenue Subway, Phase 2
- Use congestion pricing revenue to advance the Second Avenue Subway, Phase 2 project, which would create three new subway stations in East Harlem at 106th Street, 116th Street, and 125th Street
Signal modernization
- Update signals to improve service reliability, reduce delays and increase service in the future if needed
Make improvements to stations
- Replace station platforms and waiting areas, as well as repair station infrastructure
Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.
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