New York MTA Board Acknowledges Gov. Hochul’s Congestion Pricing Pause, Announces Cuts to Transit Projects

The New York MTA Board today adopted a resolution officially recognizing that they cannot implement congestion pricing without the go ahead from the Governor. As a result of the $15 billion hole left by the Governor’s pause, the MTA was forced to announce they are halting $16.5 billion of projects, including bus and subway expansions, accessibility upgrades, state of good repair projects and zero-emission bus projects. Congestion pricing would also have reduced traffic in the most congested city in the world and improved air quality. 

“The MTA must do all it can to maintain a safe and reliable public transportation system. Our environment and economy demand that the Governor start the program as soon as possible,” said Andy Darrell, Senior Advisor, Environmental Defense Fund. “Congestion pricing is the only proven, durable solution that delivers desperately needed revenue, traffic reduction and air quality and climate results. There is no other alternative that boosts New York’s economy, supports and expands the transit system, improves local air quality and aligns with New York’s climate goals.”