In response to New Jersey’s criticism of New York’s congestion pricing plan, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber went on the offensive. The plan, which could charge drivers $15 during peak hours to enter Manhattan below 60th Street, has been met with a lawsuit from New Jersey, claiming the tolls are unfair to its commuters. Lieber took the opportunity to reply to critics during a joint event with Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Lieber highlighted the irony of New Jersey’s stance, considering the state’s own toll practices on highways like the New Jersey Turnpike. He pointedly reminded attendees that the streets in question are New York’s, they are under the purview of the city and its residents.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s opposition to the congestion pricing, backed by a federal lawsuit, clashes with Lieber’s vision of easing New York’s choked streets. In his defense of the plan, the MTA chief also threw some subtle jabs back at his opposition. In an obvious allusion to NJ Rep Josh Gottheimer, one of the more vocal critics, he pointed out the irony in meddling in other states’ transit affairs while your own jurisdiction is riddled with issues.
In defense, Gottheimer cited his role in securing substantial funding for New York and New Jersey transit through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. However, Lieber is pushing the pricing plan not just as a revenue generator for the MTA’s major upgrades but also as a public safety measure, citing emergency vehicles stuck in traffic as a pressing concern.
Governor Hochul emphasized the transformative potential of the plan, envisioning a century-long benefit for the city’s transit system. The tolling, expected to begin as early as May, would aim to reduce Midtown and Lower Manhattan’s vehicle congestion by about 150,000 cars daily, with provisions for discounts and credits for overnight drivers and those using certain tunnels.
Despite the push from state leadership, the pricing plan has met with considerable disapproval from suburban commuters. This sentiment could become a pivotal issue for Republicans aiming to leverage local discontent in the 2024 elections against Democrats..
