Hochul Pauses NYC Congestion Pricing Plan Indefinitely

The first congestion pricing program enacted in the U.S. has been put on hold. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday that she had directed the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to “indefinitely” pause the program, which was due to take effect in New York City on June 30.

The congestion pricing plan, which would impose a $15 charge on cars entering Midtown and Lower Manhattan, was enacted in 2019 to “achieve two essential goals: reduce traffic and emissions in New York City and provide a funding stream for much needed capital investments in public transit,” Hochul said.

She continued, “It was also enacted in a pre-pandemic period where workers were in the office five days a week, crime was at record lows and tourism was at record highs. Circumstances have changed and we must respond to the facts on the ground — not the rhetoric from five years ago. So, after careful consideration, I have come to the difficult decision that implementing the planned congestion pricing system risks too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers at this time.”

In a statement, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy commended Hochul’s decision. The Murphy administration filed suit last year against the Federal Highway Administration for allegedly rushing approval of the congestion pricing plan.

“Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams have been strong, collaborative governing partners and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them for the benefit of all of our residents,” Murphy said Wednesday.