Governor Kathy Hochul is contemplating a revised congestion toll for Manhattan and potentially exempting municipal workers from the fee, according to sources familiar with her plans. While the specifics of the potential changes remain unclear, it appears that Hochul will hold off on any official proposal until after the upcoming November elections to avoid affecting Democratic candidates, sources suggest.
The governor is considering lowering the congestion toll, which was previously set at $15 but was paused in June. Additionally, she is contemplating an exemption for city employees, including police, firefighters, and teachers, who work in the affected area south of 59th Street. This potential move aims to address concerns that the toll disproportionately impacts those serving the city.
Kathy Hochul mulls lowering Manhattan toll and exempting municipal employees ahead of November elections
If these changes are implemented, Hochul and state legislators would need to identify alternative funding sources for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) capital plan, which has already suffered due to the stalled $15 toll. The MTA’s proposed 2025-29 capital plan, which depends on toll revenue, is facing a critical vote next month.
Previously, the MTA’s environmental assessment suggested a toll range between $9 and $23, depending on the time of day. The initial $15 toll was intended to reduce congestion and provide a steady revenue stream for transit improvements, though opponents argue it would unduly burden New Yorkers.
The MTA has already invested $500 million in technology for toll collection before Hochul paused the program. Critics, including Republican Senator Mike Lawler, argue that the pause is politically motivated. Lawler claims Hochul’s actions demonstrate a lack of commitment to scrapping the toll entirely and suggest that the pause was a political maneuver rather than a genuine policy shift.
Despite the governor’s assertion that the pause is due to economic concerns, congestion pricing remains a contentious issue, with many voters and officials urging a definitive resolution.
