NYC Judge Rejects Hochul's Attempt to Dismiss Congestion Pricing Lawsuit

NYC Judge Rejects Hochul's Attempt to Dismiss Congestion Pricing Lawsuit

A New York judge has ruled against Governor Kathy Hochul's attempt to dismiss lawsuits challenging her decision to pause the new congestion pricing fee for drivers entering Manhattan.

The judge's decision is a significant victory for transportation and environmental advocates who support the fee, which was initially set to start on June 30th. These groups argue that Hochul violated state laws when she indefinitely paused the fee, citing economic concerns stemming from the pandemic.

The proposed tolling program, designed to generate $1 billion annually for transit improvements, would have imposed a toll of around $15 on drivers entering Manhattan's core, depending on the vehicle type.

The judge's ruling allows the lawsuits to move forward, requiring Hochul to defend her actions in court. The advocates argue that the state legislature intended to give the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, not the governor's office, the final say on implementing congestion pricing. This move was meant to remove politics from the decision-making process.

The delay in implementing congestion pricing has resulted in increased traffic, air pollution, and further delays in transit upgrades, according to the advocates. The judge's ruling keeps the possibility of congestion pricing alive, with potential benefits for reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and funding critical transit improvements.