NY, NJ claim victory in congestion pricing fight
The rollout of NYC’s congestion pricing plan remains uncertain after a federal judge issued a partial ruling on New Jersey’s lawsuit. Both states are claiming victory over whether the toll system will begin Sunday, January 5.
NEW JERSEY – A federal judge has issued a partial ruling in the legal battle between New York and New Jersey over New York City’s controversial congestion pricing program.
While the court asked federal transportation officials for more information, it did not explicitly state whether the toll system should proceed as planned on Sunday, January 5.
New York and New Jersey differ on meaning of judge’s ruling
Officials from New York and New Jersey both claimed victory after the judge’s ruling on Monday.
“The program will move forward this weekend,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said.
“We’re gratified that on virtually every issue, Judge Gordon agreed with the New York federal court and rejected New Jersey’s claim that the Environmental Assessment approved 18 months ago was deficient. Most important, the decision does not interfere with the program’s scheduled implementation this coming Sunday, January 5,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Randy Mastro, attorney for the state of New Jersey, interpreted the ruling differently, asserting that congestion pricing is effectively on hold pending further clarification from federal officials.
“The judge has ordered a remand and the MTA therefore cannot proceed with implementing the current congestion pricing proposal,” Mastro said.
Republican New York City Council member Joseph Borelli hailed the ruling as a win for opponents of congestion pricing.
“This is a win for the people that want to see congestion pricing paused nar removed from our lexicon and never talked about again,” Borelli said.
Under congestion pricing, drivers in cars would pay a $9 toll during peak hours to go below 60th Street in Manhattan.
President-elect Donald Trump has indicated that he intends to scrap congestion pricing once he takes office on January 20, a move that would be more complicated if the program is already implemented.
