Summary:

Governor Hochul has blocked a planned surcharge on NYC congestion pricing fees during Gridlock Alert days.
The base congestion pricing fee of $9 will remain unchanged even on the city's most congested days.
Hochul cited a need to give hardworking New Yorkers a break, justifying the decision.
The MTA had previously reserved the right to add a 25% surcharge on up to 20 designated Gridlock Alert days.
This decision impacts drivers during periods of extreme traffic congestion, particularly during events like the UN General Assembly.

NYC Congestion Pricing: No Extra Charges on Gridlock Days!

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the MTA will not be implementing a surcharge on the base congestion pricing fee during Gridlock Alert days. This means the $9 fee will remain consistent even during periods of extreme traffic congestion.

The initial congestion pricing plan included a provision that allowed for a 25% increase on these days, but Hochul has explicitly stated this surcharge will not be applied. She justified this decision by stating that hardworking New Yorkers deserve a break, and that the 40% reduction in the base toll already provides relief.

The city's Department of Transportation (DOT) identified 20 Gridlock Alert days this year, with a concentration in December, November and September.

This decision comes as a relief to many drivers and highlights the ongoing debate surrounding congestion pricing in NYC and its impact on commuters.

Source: ABC7 New York