Is NYC’s Congestion Pricing No Longer Happening?
The nation’s first congestion pricing program was well on its way to charging New Yorkers with a new toll as soon June 30th, 2024. But after much push back, there’s been a few changes. Let’s get into the latest updates we know surrounding NYC’s congestion pricing program.
What’s NYC’s congestion pricing program?
NYC was set to initiate the nation’s first-ever congestion pricing program set to begin at the end of this month. The program would charge a $15 toll for passenger driver vehicles entering the the Congestion Relief Zone which is considered the Central Business District (CBD) below 60th Street.
What was the point of the congestion pricing program?
NYC’s congestion pricing program was created to reduce traffic in the city, promote cleaner air, and generate funds to invest in public transit.
Is congestion pricing still going to happen?
As of Wednesday, June 5th, Governor Kathy Hochul directed the MTA to pause the congestion pricing program just weeks ahead of its intended implementation date. Many drivers had an issue with the proposed program due to the already troublesome cost of living and affordability of the city. Governor Hochul’s announcement intends to “avoid added burdens to working- and middle-class families.”
So what does this mean for the MTA’s public transit plans?
The money collected from the tolls was expected to generate $15 billion in transit investment. With an “indefinite” pause on the congestion pricing program, the money will no longer be available to the MTA for the time being. Governor Kathy Hochul assured the state has some funds to counteract some of the sudden loss, however, they’ll continue to explore other sources of funding.
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