Hochul’s Toll Troubles: A Closer Look

Governor Kathy Hochul's plan to introduce congestion tolling for driving into central Manhattan is facing fresh objections. The new start date is set for January, but many are questioning her leadership. Initially paused in June, the toll will now be $9, with $2. 25 at night, instead of $15 during the day and $3. 75 at night. However, this adjustment hasn't pleased anyone due to the still high costs. One major issue is the plan to toll New Jersey drivers. They already pay substantial tolls to enter Manhattan, with some funds going to support mass transit. Adding another toll seems unfair, especially since these decisions have long been managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, not the MTA. Another point of controversy is the overnight toll. No other city with congestion pricing, like London or Stockholm, charges fees during the overnight hours because traffic isn't an issue then. This could also affect workers who need to commute early to avoid the toll. Hochul's insistence on congestion pricing as a revenue measure is also problematic. If the goal was to reduce congestion, she could offset the revenue by cutting existing taxes, like the sales tax in the Manhattan zone. However, the MTA's budget gaps suggest the main aim is to raise funds. Why hasn't Hochul used the five-month pause to address these issues? Her actions may be strategic to avoid political backlash or to delay the toll's implementation. Only time will tell if her approach will work or if it's simply poor governing.