Gov. Hochul: Cameras are staying on, despite Trump's call to stop congestion pricing
The controversial tolling plan is once again in jeopardy nearly a month and a half after it began on Jan. 5.
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Congestion pricing has been halted, in a major move by the Trump administration.
Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed the decision, calling it an attack on New York's sovereignty.
"We do not back down now, not never, we are fighting for our residents, our commuters, our riders, our emergency personnel, life has gotten better, those with asthma and illness," said Hochul at a press briefing alongside MTA CEO Janno Lieber.
The controversial tolling plan is once again in jeopardy nearly a month and a half after it began on Jan. 5. The toll charged drivers a minimum $9 fee depending on the type of vehicle to enter Manhattan's Central Business District, which is below 60th Street.
The MTA argued that the toll has done its job in reducing traffic during peak travel hours. MTA Ceo Janno Lieber said restaurant reservations also up 7%, and yellow cab trips and tips up 10%.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis has been a strong opponent of the plan, saying the tolling plan has put the financial burden on the backs of everyday families and workers who need to commute into Manhattan from the outer boroughs.
"This is costing families thousands of dollars a year. If it were to stay in effect. And that is why I am so grateful that President Trump listened to our concerns and reversed the poor decision made by the Biden administration," said Malliotakis.
Gov. Hochul says despite the calls from the president, the cameras will remain on. The governor and the MTA have fired back with a lawsuit, ultimately putting the fate of congestion pricing back into the hands of a judge.
