NYC Congestion Pricing: Firefighters Union Wants to Speak Out as Lawsuits Are Filed Against Manhattan Congestion Pricing Plan

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — Despite the lower costs, New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s attempt to revive the controversial pricing plan continues to face resistance.

The new $9 price tag is lower than the original $15, but many in the Tri-state are not in favor of the plan and are fighting to prevent that from happening.

“A $9 toll achieves our goals without putting additional burden on those who can least afford it,” Hochul said.

A total of nine lawsuits are pending.

The firefighters’ union is expected to speak out against congestion pricing on Friday.

Most drivers in Manhattan south of 60th Street will be charged $9.

The MTA has said that this will not only alleviate some of the traffic on the roads, but that the $15 billion in revenue is needed to improve subway service, make it safer and make other improvements.

Some drivers say it should be up to the MTA to come up with the money.

Among the lawsuits is one filed by the state of New Jersey and the Teachers Union.

“I am hopeful that New Yorkers will embrace the congestion charge once it goes into effect, and that the president will hopefully back off,” said Kathryn Wylde, Partnership for New York City.

“I am ready to fight the congestion tax again to protect Jersey families from more taxes and more cancer-causing pollution,” said Rep. Josh Gottheimer, (D) New Jersey.

The new congestion charges under the revised tariff plan currently under discussion include:

• An off-peak fare of $2.25 for passenger cars from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM on weekdays and from 9:00 PM to 9:00 AM on weekends, which is down from $3.75 in the original plan.

• A $3 “crossing credit” for passenger cars entering the congestion zone through four tunnels in Manhattan, down from the original price of $5.

• Small trucks and charter buses cost $14.40, originally $24, and large trucks and tour buses cost $21.60, originally $36.

• An additional surcharge per trip is now 75 cents for taxis and black car services, originally $1.25, and $1.50 for Uber and Lyfts, originally $2.50.

President-elect Donald Trump has publicly and strongly opposed congestion pricing, saying last May that he would end the governor’s plan in his first week in office. But it would become much more complicated for Trump to do that if the governor begins her plan before he is inaugurated in January.

Instead, the $9 toll could increase in coming years under this plan, which is what the Riders Alliance — which has fought for the toll to raise billions for public transit — is hoping for.

However, Director of State Operations Kathryn Garcia said they will not increase tolls for traffic congestion for the next three years.

State Budget Director Blake Washington acknowledged that the state will regularly review the toll amount to ensure adequate revenue is generated. The toll will not increase unless “it is absolutely necessary,” he said.

The President-elect released the following statement:

“I have great respect for New York Governor Kathy Hochul and look forward to working with her to make New York and America great again. But I strongly disagree with the decision on the congestion tax. It’s never worked, but especially so with a city, town or village trying to bounce back from very difficult times, which can certainly be said of New York City. It will put New York City at a disadvantage compared to competing cities and states, and businesses will flee. Not only is this a huge burden on people coming in, it will be virtually impossible for New York City to come back as long as the congestion tax is in effect. It will hurt workers, families and businesses, but most of all everything that involves jobs. It is the most regressive tax known to woman (man!).”

The MTA board would have to approve the new fare at a meeting expected on November 18.

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