Hochul's Congestion Pricing Plan Sparks Some LI Opposition

NEW YORK, NY — Governor Hochul's congestion pricing plan was brought back on Thursday.

The governor said it would be in place by early January. As part of the revised congestion proposal, drivers will pay $9 for tolls, down from $15 to enter the city below 60th Street.

For commuters driving into the city five days a week, the 40 percent reduction would save up to $1,500 a year, the governor announced.

In September, the MTA board approved a 2025-2029 Capital Plan that would include $6 billion for upgrades on the LIRR.

"By getting congestion pricing underway and fully supporting the MTA capital plan, we’ll unclog our streets, reduce pollution and deliver better public transit for millions of New Yorkers," Hochul said in a statement.

However, incoming Long Island congresswoman Laura Gillen said the resurrection of the congestion pricing would add "an additional financial burden on everyday Long Islanders."

Gillen urged the governor to listen to residents who would be impacted by the decision and "put an end to this plan," she wrote on X.

The congresswoman-elect for the 4th District said she's ready to challenge Hochul.

"If the governor moves forward, I will take any means necessary to stop it," Gillen said.

The congestion pricing needs the MTA Board approval next week, before getting the federal government to sign off on the proposal, NBC4 said.