New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says he is “firmly opposed” to a proposal by fellow Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, who unveiled a once-abandoned plan for the nation’s first congestion-pricing program.
“I am firmly opposed to any attempt to force through a congestion pricing proposal in the final months of the Biden Administration,” Murphy said in his statement, which also referenced last week’s stunning election results.
“All of us need to listen to the message that voters across America sent last Tuesday, which is that the vast majority of Americans are experiencing severe economic strains and still feeling the effects of inflation,” Murphy noted.
Under Hochul’s new plan, out of state drivers entering Midtown and Lower Manhattan would pay new congestion toll of $9 beginning in January. The plan also would require drivers to pay an off-peak rate of $2.25 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays, and from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends.. The initial plan called for a $15 toll.
“There could not be a worse time to impose a new $9 toll on individuals who are traveling into downtown Manhattan for work, school, or leisure,” Murphy said.
The plan still needs to be approved by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board, which is expected next Wednesday. Final approval from the Federal Highway Administration is also required before the plan can go into effect.
Murphy, who has long voiced his opposition to the controversial measure, also promised to continue fighting it in court, if necessary.
“I urge Governor Hochul to reconsider the plan, and I urge all elected officials in the region — including those set to take office in January — to speak out against this proposal. Meanwhile, my administration will continue the fight to block this plan in court,” he added.
The new toll, which will disproportionally affect New Jersey drivers, comes on the heels of the new gas tax hike which took effect in July, a recently announced NJTransit fare hike and higher tolls on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike.