Hochul Pushes for Reduced Congestion Pricing

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is reviving the congestion pricing plan, proposing to lower the toll for vehicles entering Manhattan from $15 to $9. This move comes as a response to the imminent presidency of Donald Trump, who opposes the pricing initiative. Hochul halted the original plan earlier this year, citing concerns over costs to motorists, but now aims to implement it before Trump takes office, potentially generating crucial revenue for the city’s transit system. The governor's office is gauging legislative support and has suggested alternative funding sources to offset the reduced toll. Republican lawmakers are expected to resist the initiative, signaling a political standoff ahead of Trump's inauguration. The MTA is preparing to restart toll collections, with plans to have the new pricing structure in place by the end of 2024.