MTA CEO defies court ruling and confirms congestion pricing will begin this weekend
- The MTA plans to charge drivers $9 for entering Manhattan below 60th Street starting January 5, 2025.
- Despite a federal judge acknowledging issues in the MTA’s plan, he did not issue an injunction against its implementation.
- The MTA remains committed to launching the congestion pricing program despite legal challenges from New Jersey.
New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) plans to implement congestion pricing starting January 5, 2025, despite a legal challenge from New Jersey authorities. The MTA will charge drivers a toll of $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours, a controversial move aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the area. New Jersey's officials argued against the implementation, citing a U.S. district judge’s ruling that acknowledged some shortcomings in the MTA's mitigation plan but did not grant an injunction to prevent the tolling from starting as scheduled. The federal judge requested additional analysis on how mitigation funds will be shared with New Jersey counties but ultimately allowed the plan to proceed. This decision brings forward ongoing tensions around interstate transport, funding distributions, and the environmental impact of increased congestion in New York City. Various stakeholders, including New Jersey officials and advocacy groups, continue to debate the implications of congestion pricing. Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed support for the pricing strategy, believing it will reduce emissions and improve public transport funding. However, critics argue that the plan disproportionately affects low-income drivers and fails to adequately address the needs of residents in New Jersey. Overall, the MTA is moving ahead with its ambitious plan to mitigate congestion and improve transportation efficiency, despite the unresolved issues regarding the equitable distribution of resources and funding commitments with New Jersey counties.