The newly implemented $9 toll for entering Midtown Manhattan could increase by as much as 25% to $11.25 during “gridlock alert days” starting in 2025, according to The NY Post.
The MTA’s authority to hike the already contentious commuter tax was noted in a footnote in the updated congestion pricing proposal submitted to New York’s rule-making body, the New York State Register.
“If imposing a new, $9 per day congestion tax on hard-working families from Jersey and New York wasn’t bad enough, the MTA is now adding fuel to the fire with an additional 25 percent surcharge on so-called ‘Gridlock Alert Days’ — whenever they feel like it,” fumed Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, who represents northern New Jersey areas adjacent to the George Washington Bridge into Manhattan.
“It’s a huge insult to our families trying to make ends meet,” Gottheimer remarked, who is also running for governor of New Jersey in the upcoming election.
“New York and the MTA clearly don’t care about making life more affordable for hardworking folks in Jersey or even their own city,” he added.
The New York City Department of Transportation has already designated 20 days this year as “gridlock alert” days, during which traffic is expected to be at its worst.
In December alone, there were 11 gridlock alert days, while November had four, and September saw five, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly sessions.
Governor Kathy Hochul had initially proposed a $15 base toll before the election but delayed the proposal and later pushed forward with the $9 commuter tax, which could now rise even further on gridlock days.
“The Authority reserves the right to charge a 25% higher CBD [Central Business District] charge during gridlock alert days,” stated the MTA’s Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
This year, gridlock alert days were declared for Dec. 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, and 19; Nov. 20, 21, 22, and 26; and Sept. 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27.
“On Gridlock Alert days, consider walking, biking, and taking mass transit for any trips in Manhattan,” the transit agency advised.
Critics of the nation’s first congestion toll system argue that the 25% surcharge on gridlock alert days is just another scheme to extract more money from commuters.
“It’s news to me. But I can’t say I’m surprised,” commented Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, a co-plaintiff with the United Federation of Teachers in a federal lawsuit seeking to block the congestion toll.
“This is clearly part of the MTA’s playbook. It’s ‘how much money we can grab.’ It’s about maximizing revenue. It’s always raising the toll and never about reducing the toll.”
Fossella also suggested that the new Midtown toll, which applies to vehicles below 60th Street, would cause drivers to reroute through Staten Island to avoid the charge, thus increasing congestion and pollution in his borough.
An MTA spokesperson clarified that it is the city’s Department of Transportation that determines gridlock alert days, and that the 25% higher toll is an option, not a guaranteed charge.
An MTA official further stated that a toll increase for gridlock days is unlikely next year and might not be needed, as they anticipate a 15% reduction in peak-hour traffic due to the new toll.
Transit officials also emphasized that higher tolls for gridlock days had always been part of the original plan.
Governor Hochul, who is preparing for a potential re-election bid in 2026 amidst low approval ratings, holds considerable influence over the MTA and may oppose any further increases in tolls during gridlock alert days.
A majority of New Yorkers are already opposed to the $9 toll.
The congestion pricing toll is set to take effect on January 5, and is expected to increase to $12 for most vehicles by 2028, and $15 by 2031.
The MTA plans to use the toll revenue to support its $15 billion capital plan for 2020-2024.
Hochul and the MTA are rushing to implement the toll before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, fearing he may attempt to reverse it. The Biden administration has already approved the congestion pricing initiative.
Numerous lawsuits filed in federal and state courts in Manhattan, as well as in New Jersey, could potentially derail the plan.
{Matzav.com}