New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s latest move on congestion pricing shows the real goal isn’t just reducing traffic—it’s raising more money for the state.
Hochul’s plan to implement a $15 congestion toll might be delayed until after the elections this fall. If the plan does move forward, it could include a lower fee and might exempt city workers like firefighters and teachers.
This change would make the congestion pricing plan less effective at reducing traffic. Government workers, who already drive into Manhattan more than private-sector workers, would still get free access, which could lead to even more traffic as others avoid the city.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) studied different ways to cut Manhattan traffic and raise money. One idea was to reduce the number of free parking permits given to city workers, since they drive to Manhattan more often.
Exempting city workers from the congestion fee might increase their numbers on the road, making traffic worse rather than better. This shift away from true congestion relief highlights that the real motivation behind the congestion pricing is the promised $1 billion in revenue for the MTA.
Hochul’s plan may also involve delaying the program further, which would help her avoid criticism from both congestion pricing supporters and the general public. New delays might be used to push back the start of the program, serving Hochul’s interest in avoiding backlash.
The current plan, if it includes many exemptions and a lower fee, will bring in less money than originally expected. Hochul might then look for other ways to raise funds for the MTA.
Exempting city workers while imposing fees on everyone else demonstrates a broader issue: the public is often expected to support government actions, even if it’s inconvenient. If congestion pricing is implemented, it should apply to all drivers equally, not just private-sector workers.
Ultimately, Hochul’s adjustments to the plan might make it less about reducing congestion and more about finding revenue, possibly pushing the congestion pricing idea to a standstill.