Let’s make sure congestion pricing stays dead

Gov. Hochul’s announcement that she has indefinitely postponed congestion pricing is welcome news, particularly for those of us who have been fighting it since the Legislature adopted it in 2019.

We have introduced legislation at the local and federal levels, launched lawsuits, held press conferences, and written op-eds to let people know that congestion pricing is nothing more than a cash grab in a war on cars.

Not only is congestion pricing a tax that would hit working-class New Yorkers the most — costing them thousands of dollars annually to commute to work, go to doctors’ appointments, or simply for recreation — it’s also the worst possible time to be implementing this extra cost as Broadway, restaurants, and businesses in New York City continue the recovery process from COVID.

Additionally, the few studies conducted show that congestion pricing will not eliminate traffic or reduce pollution but will simply shift it to areas outside of the zone, particularly mostly minority neighborhoods in the outer boroughs of New York City.

Make no mistake, the governor’s delay is in response to the enormous political pressure and unignorable public polling showing that congestion pricing is opposed by 65% of New York City residents (nearly 80% of residents in my district) of all political stripes.

It’s also in response to the multiple lawsuits they are facing, including the one I’m a plaintiff in along with other local elected officials and the United Federation of Teachers.