Gov. Hochul ditches hated congestion pricing plan in stunning reversal over economic fears: ‘New Yorkers are struggling’
NY Post
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is ditching the MTA congestion pricing plan indefinitely — with insiders saying she’s worried that it’s “not the right time” as New Yorkers face a cost-of-living crisis.
Hochul announced plans to delay the $15 toll’s June 30 start date on Wednesday, citing the increased cost on working people, including teachers and firefighters.
“Let’s be real a $15 charge .. puts the squeeze on the very people who make this city go,” Hochul said in a video announcement.
“I cannot add another burden to working middle class New Yorkers or create another obstacle to our continued economic recovery” from the COVID pandemic, she added.
The Democrat, who is likely to run for reelection in two years, had faced mounting public pressure over the dreaded toll, which would have charged drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street.
“I think the Post spotlighting the real concerns of working New Yorkers definitely impacted the conversation. It’s tone deaf to charge New Yorkers $3,600 every year when they can’t afford to put food on the table,” a source familiar with the governor’s thinking said.
