New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy praised New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to postpone congestion pricing, which would have charged drivers $15 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority also backed off from fighting New Jersey’s legal battle against congestion pricing. Murphy thanked Hochul for pausing the implementation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of Manhattan’s success with the prosperity of the entire Tri-State Area. He also commended New York City Mayor Eric Adams and expressed his commitment to working together for the benefit of all residents.
Murphy had been a vocal critic of congestion pricing and had filed a lawsuit against various entities claiming that the toll unfairly burdened his state. Despite their disagreement on congestion pricing, Murphy highlighted a shared vision with New York for growing the regional economy, investing in infrastructure, protecting the environment, and creating jobs on both sides of the Hudson River. In April, New Jersey’s legal team had argued for a delay in the plan’s start date to allow for a more thorough review of its economic and environmental impacts on the state.
During the court hearing in April, New Jersey’s lawyers urged federal Judge Leo Gordon to require a more in-depth assessment of the congestion pricing plan. They criticized the MTA for not adequately considering New Jersey and failing to allocate any of the $115 million set aside for mitigation to the state. Gordon was expected to issue a ruling on the matter before the June 30 deadline. Hochul’s decision to postpone congestion pricing has left pending lawsuits in limbo, including those by the United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew and Republican Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, who argued that the plan would unfairly impact struggling communities.
The MTA informed federal judges in Manhattan on Wednesday that it no longer anticipates rolling out the congestion pricing plan on June 30. This development has affected ongoing cases attempting to stop the $15 toll, including those brought by various groups and individuals in Manhattan. UFT President Michael Mulgrew applauded Hochul for listening to concerns from educators and ordinary New Yorkers regarding the plan’s potential consequences. He praised the governor for making the right decision to pause congestion pricing, stating that the plan would only shift pollution, congestion, and costs onto already struggling communities. The MTA expressed its commitment to keep the court informed of any further developments regarding congestion pricing.
