Gov. Kathy Hochul expects to repeal congestion pricing with a $9 toll on Thursday

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) – Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to announce the path to uninterrupted congestion pricing at a news conference Thursday.

In addition to announcing a revised congestion pricing proposal that sets the base price at $9 instead of $15, she is expected to discuss an alternative source of revenue to make up for the lost $6, a 40 percent drop in revenue .

The governor couldn’t set the base fee at less than $9 without triggering a new federal environmental review that could allow the new Trump administration to block it.

Instead, under this plan, tolls could increase by $9 in coming years.

Hochul makes the announcement at 1 p.m. Thursday, a day before a court challenge to Lower Manhattan’s congestion pricing pause on Friday.

A spokesman for Governor Hochul released a statement.

“Governor Hochul suspended congestion pricing because a $15 daily toll was too much for hard-working New Yorkers in this economic climate. “Tomorrow the governor will announce the path forward to fund public transportation, clear congestion on our roads and improve public health by reducing air pollution,” the speaker said.

The lawsuit was filed by environmental groups, public transit advocates and city Comptroller Brad Lander.

Earlier on Wednesday, Representative Mike Lawler and others wrote a letter to President Trump asking for help to stop the implementation of congestion pricing.

The program could start at midnight on December 29th.

The MTA board would have to approve the new tariff at a Nov. 18 meeting.

“I plan to present a proposal that will fund the program and also address mitigation of environmental impacts and congestion. We have a plan to do this, as we have since June,” Hochul said Tuesday.

Hochul declined Tuesday to provide further details, including how much the congestion fares will cost if they are not stopped. She previously floated the idea of ​​reducing the toll from $15 to $9 for most people entering Manhattan below 60th Street.

“I agree with the governor on congestion pricing. She was a real partner. She says she heard the citizens of this city,” said Mayor Eric Adams.

Tom Wright, president and CEO of the Regional Plan Association, released a partial statement:
“RPA applauds Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan to implement congestion pricing as quickly as possible to address the MTA’s capital needs. This historic step is critical for New York and will support our regional economy, a healthy transit system and improved air quality.”

Early Tuesday, elected officials gathered on Staten Island to speak out against a possible return of congestion pricing.

“Staten Islanders are being asked to pay more without any improvement to our daily commute or quality of life,” said City Council Member Kamillah Hanks.

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