Congestion Pricing Raises Over $48M In 1st Month

NEW YORK CITY — The MTA collected over $48 million in tolls paid during the first month of congestion pricing, according to financial figures released Monday.

MTA committee members on Monday discussed the data as well as the future of the plan following President Trump's move to end the program last week, Patch previously reported.

Since Jan. 5, drivers have been charged $9 entering Manhattan below 60th Street.

According to MTA figures, Taxis and for-hire vehicles account for $10 million of revenue collected — or about 22 percent.

About 68 percent of revenue collected was paid by passenger cars. Trucks, buses and motorcycles made up 9 percent and 1 percent, respectively.

The MTA has said the toll would bring in nearly $500 million a year. The plan is expected to generate more than $15 billion for public transportation upgrades in New York City, officials said.

The purpose of the plan is to reduce gridlock in Manhattan's busiest areas and encourage public transit use.

Last Wednesday, Dept. of Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, said they would be removing the federal approval for the program.

Duffy called the program "a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners."

The DOT would rescind the Nov. 21 agreement signed under the Value Pricing Pilot Program.

Gov. Hochul at a press conference said the decision was "an attack on our sovereign identity."

"The commuters of our city and our region are now the roadkill on Donald Trump's revenge tour against New York," she said.

"The cameras are staying on. We are keeping the cameras on."

Hochul Meets With Trump To Discuss Future Of Congestion Pricing

Hochul in a meeting with President Trump on Friday made the case for congestion pricing to continue.

Hochul and Trump met for more than an hour on Friday and also discussed other issues including immigration, infrastructure, economic development, energy, offshore wind and nuclear power.

The governor is reported to have presented Trump with a booklet showing the early success of congestion pricing, along with a 22-page PowerPoint presentation.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.