MTA 'Not Giving Up' On Congestion Pricing, Will 'Shrink' Budget

NEW YORK CITY — The MTA has broken its silence on congestion pricing, being indefinitely put on hold by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Janno Lieber, the MTA’s chair and CEO, told reporters on Monday at a press conference that "the MTA aren’t giving up on congestion pricing."

Lieber made his first comment following the last minute decision by the governor — which may have stemmed from pressure from Democratic candidates, who are expecting to be in tight races and view congestion pricing as a polarizing issue.

"It may feel right now like things are a little crazy, even that there’s a crisis. But we need to stay focused so that we can maximize the situation for our riders," Lieber added. "We’re going to fight like hell to make sure we don’t have to reduce service."

MTA officials acknowledged on Monday that the congestion pricing decision will affect a number of major upcoming projects and upgrades.

Hochul has pushed back on criticism over the congestion pricing pause, saying: “To assume that the only funding source had to be congestion pricing shows a lack of imagination about understanding other opportunities to fund these projects."

Lieber said the MTA will be ready “if and when we get the green light" on congestion pricing, but in the meantime will have to a take a long look at the current capital program.

"That’s why we’re taking these, frankly, very serious steps to carve up the capital program and make sure we don’t let the system fall into disrepair," Lieber said.

How it’ll work, who will pay

Under the current plan, most drivers entering Manhattan at 60th Street or below will face a base toll of $15 when congestion pricing commences.

"Toll rates will vary by type of vehicle and time of day," the MTA's new congestion pricing website states. "Passenger vehicles and motorcycles will only be charged once per day."Those tolls will be tallied by toll readers that have already been installed on Manhattan streets enclosing what the MTA calls the Congestion Relief Zone, aside from the FDR Drive and West Side Highway.

The $15 base toll will apply from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends. Nighttime toll rates will be $3.75.

"Trucks and buses will pay a toll of $24 or $36 during the day, depending on their size and function, and $6 or $9 at night," the MTA’s congestion pricing site states.

"The toll for motorcycles is proposed to be $7.50 during the day and $1.75 at night."

Only a few types of vehicles will be exempted: emergency vehicles, those that carry people with disabilities, school buses, commuter buses and certain government vehicles.