Rockland County, NY – A recent statewide poll indicates a strong opposition among New York voters against the proposed $15 congestion toll for entering Midtown Manhattan, with particular resistance noted in suburban areas like Rockland County.
According to a Siena College survey, 63% of voters statewide disapprove of the toll, while only 25% are in favor. The toll, promoted by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), aims to alleviate congestion and generate funds for mass transit, nearly $1 billion annually. This, despite no representation on the MTA Board for Rockland.
In Rockland County, the disapproval is palpable. Here, the congestion pricing plan, which targets drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, faces legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed by the county. The Rockland County Legislature, under Minority Leader Lon Hofstein, unanimously passed a bill last month seeking compensation for local commuters who will be affected by the toll.
County Executive Ed Day, a vocal opponent of the plan, has also taken legal action, marking his lawsuit as the sixth federal case against the tolls. Notably, Rockland’s representation on the MTA board has been vacant since last June, further complicating matters. Despite Governor Hochul receiving three nominations from Day to fill the position, a selection has yet to be made, leaving Rockland without a voice in the decision-making process.
This lack of representation is a critical issue for Rockland residents, as the county, along with Dutchess, Putnam, and Orange counties, shares a single vote on the MTA board. The absence of a Rockland board member at a crucial time underscores a significant gap in advocacy and representation for the county’s interests.
The proposal, part of a broader state law passed in 2019 to implement congestion pricing, has seen widespread opposition across various demographics, including 72% of suburban voters who are more likely to drive into Manhattan. The opposition unites a broad spectrum of New Yorkers, from various racial groups to political affiliations, reflecting a common concern over the new toll’s impact.
For Rockland County, the toll represents not just a financial burden but also a political challenge, as officials continue to seek fair representation and consideration in policies that directly affect their constituents. As the plan moves forward, with potential implementation as early as June, the county’s leaders remain engaged in a fight for equity and voice in a decision that could significantly alter commuting patterns and economic interactions with Manhattan.