Hochul hoses commuters to NYC, Rockland reps vow to fight return of congestion pricing

Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced the relaunch of the MTA’s congestion pricing program with a $9 base toll for passenger cars. It is a 40 percent reduction from the previously approved fare of $15, but the proposal is still getting blasted by its opponents.

“Governor Hochul’s announcement that she will restart the Democrat’s congestion pricing tax on residents of Rockland County is outrageous,” wrote State Senator Bill Weber (R-Rockland). 

“This tax, which could amount to upwards of $3,500 per commuter each year, is a direct attack on Rockland County’s working families – our teachers, our police officers, our fire fighters, and others – who are forced to commute into NYC because Rockland County has been abandoned by the MTA. I will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners in government to stop this from being implemented,” stated Weber.

Congressman Mike Lawler ripped Hochul on Facebook after learning of the revised congestion pricing proposal.

“I’ve long said that Governor Kathy Hochul is the worst Governor in America, and her crusade to force her congestion pricing cash grab on hard-working New Yorkers is just the latest example of her ineptitude,” said Lawler (R-Pearl River). “New York State needs a Governor committed to lowering costs on working families, fixing the MTA’s broken and corrupt budget, and making things a little easier for all New Yorkers. Sadly, Governor Hochul doesn’t appear to be up to the task.”

Under the plan, the toll structure for entering New York City’s Central Business District (Manhattan below 60th Street) would initially be as follows, starting at midnight on January 5, 2025:

Passenger vehicles (once per day): $9

Motorcycles (once per day): $4.50

Small trucks and non-commuter buses: $14.40

Large trucks and sightseeing buses: $21.60

The average commuter would pay more than $2,000 a year to drive into midtown Manhattan and the $9 toll is set to increase to $12 in 2028.