Governor Kathy Hochul expected to resume congestion pricing with a $9 toll on Thursday

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to unveil the path to resuming congestion pricing during a press conference on Thursday.

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

The governor could not set the base toll lower than $9 without triggering a new federal environmental review, which could allow the new Trump administration to block the toll.

Instead, the $9 toll could increase in coming years under this plan.

Hochul makes the announcement at 1 p.m. Thursday, the day before Friday’s trial over the congestion pricing pause in Lower Manhattan.

A spokesperson for Governor Hochul released a statement.

“Governor Hochul ended the congestion pricing because a $15 daily toll was too much for hardworking New Yorkers in this economic climate. Tomorrow, the Governor will announce the path forward to fund public transportation, clean up our streets, and improve public health by reducing air pollution. ” the spokesperson said.

The lawsuit was filed by environmental groups, mass transit advocates and City Comptroller Brad Lander.

Earlier Wednesday, Representative Mike Lawler and others asked in a letter for new President Trump’s help in stopping the implementation of congestion pricing.

The program could start at midnight on December 29.

The MTA board would have to approve the new fare at a meeting expected on November 18.

“I intend to submit a proposal that will finance the program, which will deal with limiting environmental impacts and also reducing traffic congestion. We have a plan to do this, as we have since June do,” Hochul said on Tuesday.

Hochul declined to go into details Tuesday, including how much the congestion charge will cost if it is not paused. She previously floated the idea of ​​lowering the toll from $15 to $9 for most people entering Manhattan below 60th Street.

“I agree with the governor on the congestion charge. She has been a true 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 statement in part:
“RPA welcomes Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan to implement congestion pricing as quickly as possible to meet the MTA’s capital funding needs. This historic step is vital for New York and will support our regional economy, a healthy transit system and improved air quality.”

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

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

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