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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has reiterated her commitment to implementing congestion pricing in Manhattan, despite a temporary pause on the controversial plan. The scheme, which would charge drivers below Manhattan's 60th Street, was initially set to start on June 30, but was halted by Hochul just three weeks before its launch. The governor has faced criticism for the delay, with two lawsuits filed against her in an attempt to restore the plan.
The congestion pricing program was designed to raise billions of dollars for public transportation while potentially reducing vehicle traffic and emissions in Manhattan. However, Hochul's decision to pause the program has been described as "financially disastrous" by environmental and transit advocates. According to The City, the lawsuits accuse Hochul of a sudden U-turn on an initiative she had previously championed.
Despite the legal challenges, Hochul remains firm in her stance. When asked about the funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) new capital plan, which the tolling program was supposed to help pay for, Hochul stressed that the pause is temporary. She also noted that there is not yet a final number associated with the capital plan.
The lawsuits against Hochul are set to proceed after a judge recently denied her motion to dismiss them. AM New York reports that Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron ruled that the governor's team had not met the burden to have the cases dismissed. This allows the litigants to argue that Hochul's actions were unlawful.