Gov declares 'massive victory' after decision on NYC's hotly debated congestion pricing
New York's governor said a controversial congestion pricing plan for New York City will move forward this weekend following a federal judge's decision Monday.
The judge found that the state took sufficient steps to toll drivers entering central Manhattan, The New York Times reported Monday evening. Federal transportation officials were also reportedly ordered to review and explain the program.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement: "Despite the best efforts of the State of New Jersey trying to thwart New York's ability to reduce congestion on our streets while making long-overdue investments in public transit, our position has prevailed in court on nearly every issue."
Hochul declared the decision a "massive win for commuters" in both states, and said the congestion pricing plan will move forward this weekend with a 40 percent reduction in the originally proposed cost of the toll.
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"Commuters deserve a world-class transit system that's safe, efficient and modern," she said. "Local residents deserve clean air and safe streets. Drivers deserve less congestion and reduced traffic. This is what we will begin to achieve — at a lower cost to drivers — when congestion pricing begins on January 5."
Not everyone agreed with Hochul's assessment, however.
Randy Mastro, a lawyer representing New Jersey, argued the judge actually blocked the plan and told media outlets in a statement the MTA could not proceed. Mastro said the judge determined that federal highway safety officials “acted arbitrarily and capriciously in approving the M.T.A.’s plan,” and that “more consideration is needed before the current congestion pricing proposal may take effect.”
The Times itself appeared conflicted by the ruling, noting that nowhere in the 72-page decision does Judge Leo M. Gordon explicitly say whether the program can proceed while the federal government works to address his concerns.
Meanwhile, New York City's Common Sense Caucus agreed with New Jersey, saying the judge confirmed that federal officials acted "arbitrarily and capriciously in greenlighting the congestion scam tax." Moving forward with the congestion plan, they said, would be "reckless and presents significant complications for the state, including potential court-mandated refunds."
Under the plan, cars would pay a peak fee of $9 from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Off-peak rates would be discounted 75 percent.
The congestion zone would extend from 60th Street to the Battery.