New York, NY – Albany has hit the “pause button” on New York City’s controversial congestion pricing plan, temporarily saving money for up to 4000 Rockland-based commuters.
In a heated debate over the new NYC congestion pricing plan, State Senator James Skoufis has vocally opposed the initiative, labeling it as a direct financial burden on his constituents. With a planned delay now on the table, Skoufis’s sentiments echo the concerns of many who feel unjustly targeted by the toll system.
“Congestion pricing is flat-out theft of my constituents’ hard-earned money, particularly those who have no viable public transit into the city,” stated Senator Skoufis. Along with Rockland County Executive Ed Day, and various other officials, they have been leading a legal battle against the congestion pricing plan.
In particular, Senator Skoufis is participating as a plaintiff in a lawsuit aimed at overturning the policy. “I’ve been at the forefront of the fight to roll back this unjustified scheme…and am strongly supporting the end-of-session effort to delay the toll’s implementation. I’m grateful the Governor is prioritizing this move,” he added.
Governor Kathy Hochul has indicated support for delaying the implementation of the toll, aligning with Skoufis and other lawmakers who argue for a more equitable solution. The proposed delay would allow for further examination of the plan’s impact on various communities, especially those with limited access to alternative transportation methods.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day, in a statement released shortly after the announcement:
Rockland’s approximately 4,000 residents who drive into the CBD – many of whom are first responders – are forced to do so because there is no one-seat-ride, despite our more than $40 million annual value gap between what we pay and what we receive from the MTA. That is not their fault; it is the MTA’s. Don’t punish residents for the MTA’s inability to manage its budget.
Senator Bill Weber released a statement saying: “I was proud to be a vocal opponent of congestion pricing and cosponsor the Senate legislation to stop it and audit the failed MTA. Today’s decision by the governor to indefinitely delay congestion pricing is a victory, even though she did it for the wrong reasons. Instead of making a political decision to protect vulnerable incumbents from this deeply unpopular policy, she should have canceled it because it was a horrible idea pitched as a way to protect our environment and reduce congestion while all it really would be is just another bailout for the MTA. We have come to expect dishonesty in proposing and canceling policy here in this state. Despite today’s victory, New Yorkers deserve better.”
The congestion pricing plan, spearheaded by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), has faced significant legal challenges and public opposition. The plan aims to reduce traffic congestion in Manhattan by charging tolls for vehicles entering the busiest parts of the city. However, critics argue that it disproportionately affects residents of suburban and rural areas who lack adequate public transportation options.
Despite these efforts, the MTA remains committed to the congestion pricing plan, citing its potential benefits for reducing traffic congestion and funding public transportation improvements. The agency announced a tentative start date, although this may change pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings and legislative actions.
Public opinion on the issue remains divided. According to a recent Siena Poll, a significant portion of New Yorkers support congestion pricing as a means to address traffic woes and environmental concerns. However, the same poll reveals a notable opposition from residents of outer boroughs and neighboring counties who feel unfairly targeted by the additional financial burden .
As the legislative session nears its end, all eyes are on Albany to see if the delay will be formalized.