Congestion Pricing Support Rises Among NYC Residents, New Poll Finds

NEW YORK CITY — A growing number of New York City residents want congestion pricing to continue, while state voters overall feel differently, according to a new Siena poll.

The new poll released on Monday show 42 percent of city residents support congestion pricing, versus 35 percent of voters.

Notably, the opinion on congestion pricing has grown to be favorable in just a few months. In a December poll, Siena College found 32% percent of individuals supported the toll, while 52 percent opposed it.

The college conducted its latest poll from March 2 to March 6 and surveyed 806 registered voters throughout the state. Pollster wanted to get a sense from voters on how well Gov. Kathy Hochul is handling key issues in New York.

"A plurality of voters wants to see congestion pricing eliminated, as Trump has called for,” Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said. “Pluralities of New York City voters and Democrats want congestion pricing to remain, Hochul’s position.”

State voters outside the city want congestion pricing eliminated, according to the poll. 40 percent of voter want the program gone, while 33 percent of individuals still support it.

Other downstate voters also feel similarly, with 48 percent opposing congestion pricing versus 30 percent.

On Feb. 19, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced in a letter that it would rescind federal approval of the program.

Beginning on Jan. 5, congestion pricing imposed a $9 charge on drivers to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street.

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

The plan was expected to generate more than $15 billion for public transportation upgrades in New York City, the MTA said.

The MTA collected over $48 million in tolls paid during the first month of congestion pricing, Patch previously reported.

The Federal Highway Administration and the Trump administration have ordered New York City to end congestion pricing by March 21.