NJ Politicians Continue Congestion Pricing Battle Amid Federal Approval for NY Plan

Two New Jersey politicians, Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Rep. Rob Menendez, have pledged to continue their opposition to New York’s congestion pricing plan. This commitment follows the recent decision by federal regulators to approve the toll scheme. Both lawmakers expressed their determination to fight the proposal, which would toll all traffic entering lower Manhattan, at a press conference held at the New Jersey entrance to the Holland Tunnel.

The primary aim of this tolling scheme is to reduce car traffic and raise funds for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). However, Menendez and Gottheimer argue it would negatively affect the revenue of the Port Authority, which oversees bridges and tunnels between New York and New Jersey, by discouraging drivers from entering Manhattan. The anticipated decrease in traffic at Port Authority crossings could cost the bi-state agency $1.25 billion over the next ten years, Gottheimer warned.

The congestion pricing plan is projected to provide $15 billion in funding for the MTA's capital projects. Menendez contested the program, stating that it would shift revenue away from the Port Authority to the MTA. He suggested that, if the MTA was serious about reducing car dependency, it should instead extend the 7 train line to New Jersey's Seacaucus Junction station and spend all related income on this expansion.

Gottheimer also criticized the MTA's proposals for environmental reasons, referring to its plan to allocate some congestion pricing revenue to pollution mitigation in the Bronx, where traffic is expected to increase once tolling begins. Citing MTA estimates that the Bronx could face 700 more trucks daily, he dubbed the plan 'anti-environment'. The MTA has yet to respond to these criticisms.

Despite the objections, the approval of the MTA's environmental assessment by the federal Department of Transportation signifies one of the last steps towards implementing congestion pricing in New York. As a result, many details, such as toll costs, vehicle exemptions, and potential discounts, are yet to be determined. An MTA official stated that these matters would be resolved in the coming months and said that congestion pricing could start as early as 2024.