Photo: Getty Images
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is conducting webinars to inform the public about the upcoming congestion pricing plan, which faces multiple legal challenges. The plan, set to begin on January 5, 2025, will charge most drivers $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. However, its implementation is uncertain due to ongoing lawsuits in New York and New Jersey.
The U.S. Department of Transportation approved the plan on November 21, but legal battles continue. According to the Queens Chronicle, the MTA faces at least ten lawsuits, including those from the United Federation of Teachers and Staten Island President Vito Fossella. Opponents argue the plan will relocate traffic and pollution and have economic impacts.
Governor Kathy Hochul revived the plan after pausing it in June, reducing the toll from $15 to $9. Despite these changes, NY1 reports that President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to terminate the plan upon taking office in January.
New York's House Republicans have urged Trump to end what they call a "congestion pricing cash grab." Rep. Mike Lawler and others argue that the plan represents government overreach and will negatively impact New York families and workers.