PROS & CONS
Reactions to Congestion Pricing Pause
All Agree on Needs for MTA Capital Improvements,
City-Center Congestion Relief and Better Air Quality
TARRYTOWN, NY—When it comes to problem solving, New Yorkers can be like a large family that finds new ways to fight over the very things we all agree on. Take “Congestion Relief” for Manhattan. Everyone salutes the goals of the congestion-relief program; it’s the tactics that are the source of consternation. Here’s what they have to say:
Salutes the Pause
“We have to get it right. We have to make sure it’s not an undue burden on everyday New Yorkers and we have to make sure it’s not going to impact our recovery. If she’s looking at analyzing other ways we can do it, I’m all for it.”
(SOURCE: WNBC-TV-NEW YORK)
— New York City Mayor Eric Adams
“I applaud Gov. Hochul for examining the consequences and impact congestion pricing would have on New Yorkers. We know many of our City of Yonkers residents work in New York City and the extra tolls would not have been sustainable or efficient for them.”
— Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano
“I have long been opposed to congestion pricing and the burden it would place on Hudson Valley residents. Now is not the time to add extra costs to our neighbors as they are still trying to survive and bounce back from the affordability crisis we are in.”
— Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino
“Gov. Hochul’s decision to pause the flawed plan was strictly for political purposes and now leaves a billion-dollar gap in the state’s budget, leading Gov. Hochul to look to take taxpayer dollars from across the state, not just New York City. The pause in the congestion pricing plan also begs the question of whether federal dollars were used in the planning and other aspects of the plan. Since Gov. Hochul is running from New Yorkers and the media, I’m pushing for answers. A field hearing will allow Congress to conduct oversight and deliver accountability.”
—U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19)
“The State of New York allowing the Congestion Pricing tax to go into effect is an insult to families who have been struggling with record-breaking inflation, high gas prices, and outrageous interest rates for close to two years… Gov. Kathy Hochul should not just pause this plan but eliminate it entirely. If not, we will continue our legal fight, alongside my colleagues in government, on behalf of families we serve who do not deserve another unnecessary tax.”
— U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18)
“Almost five months to the day before Election Day, Gov. Hochul has suddenly realized how bad congestion pricing is polling in the suburbs and in New York City. This cynical decision to ‘pause’ or ‘delay’ rather than cancel congestion pricing is nothing more than an election-year stunt. As I have said from the start — congestion pricing needs to be ended, not simply delayed.”
— Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17)
“The State of New York allowing the Congestion Pricing tax to go into effect is an insult to families who have been struggling with record-breaking inflation, high gas prices, and outrageous interest rates for close to two years… Gov. Kathy Hochul should not just pause this plan but eliminate it entirely. If not, we will continue our legal fight, alongside my colleagues in government, on behalf of families we serve who do not deserve another unnecessary tax.”
— Rockland County Executive Ed Day
“This is a huge win for all of us who have fought to stop NYC politicians from further hurting the suburbs by imposing this ridiculous tax. We already have a significant value gap in what we pay the MTA and what we receive in services. Happy that the governor has stepped in to stop this plan.”
— Clarkstown Town Supervisor
George Hoehmann
“Thank you, governor, for listening to the people. This additional cost would be devastating to many commuters from Orange County.”
— Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano
“The trucking industry appreciates that Gov. Kathy Hochul has recognized the flaws in the current congestion pricing framework, and welcomes her decision to indefinitely postpone its implementation.”
— Kendra Hems, President,
Trucking Association of New York
Opposes the Pause
“Congestion pricing is the transit trifecta—providing critical funding for transit, reducing emissions, and easing congestion. We should be staying the course. All sectors should contribute to improving transit, including drivers. Furthermore, it is a regional system that underpins the state’s economic engine. Sharing the cost of investment is the best strategy for the environment and the economy.”
— Citizens Budget Commission President
Andrew S. Rein
“A day after NYC issued its first air quality alert of the year, and less than a year after apocalyptic orange skies blanketed our city as we endured the hottest year on record, I am shocked and dismayed that the governor is turning her back on congestion pricing. We cannot drive our way out of the climate crisis—and we shouldn’t let a small number of drivers who refuse to take mass transit in the most transit-rich region of the country dictate transportation policy.”
— Julie Tighe, President,
New York League of Conservation Voters
“The governor’s decision to indefinitely pause the congestion pricing program is disappointing. Her reluctance to impose a new toll at this time is understandable. New York has become one of the most expensive cities in the world in which to live and do business. But the toll revenues would amount to only $1 billion a year, which is far less than the $20+ billion cost of lost productivity, overtime and fuel expenses, environmental and health costs that are the result of excess traffic congestion on the city’s streets and highways. We hope that this pause will be temporary, providing an opportunity to ensure that the MTA capital plan will maximize improved transit services that will accommodate a shift from cars to public transit, which is the method that the vast majority of New Yorkers rely upon to get into and around the Central Business District.”
—Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO
The Partnership for New York City
“Yesterday’s decision by the governor to delay congestion pricing indefinitely was a punch in the gut—not just to our industry and our workforce, but to the entire future of New York City… We urge legislators to say no to any new taxes or to raiding the state’s precious reserves. And we continue to urge the governor to sit down with the city’s leading voices on economic development and transportation policy to find a way back to thoughtfully reestablishing a concrete congestion pricing start date. It’s the only way to ensure the MTA’s Capital Program is fully funded for the long term, and New York can continue on its way to a brighter, more accessible, more equitable future.”
—New York Building Congress