Rallies held in New Jersey, Long Island for new action to combat revived congestion pricing plan

ByEyewitness News and Anthony Johnson

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

NJ, LI politicians rally against revived congestion pricing plan

New Jersey and Long Island politicians continue their fight to stop congestion pricing. Anthony Johnson has the details.

FORT LEE, New Jersey (WABC) -- With New York's congestion pricing plan set to return soon, New Jersey and Long Island politicians are continuing their fight to stop the program.

Rallies were held in both states to announce new actions against the revised plan set to begin in two months.

In New Jersey, Congressman Josh Gottheimer -- who has been at the forefront of the opposition against congestion pricing -- on Tuesday said he is stepping up his efforts.

Gottheimer is calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to fully reevaluate the revised plan, including a full, 60 day comment period to examine its impact on traffic patterns and pollution.

"So let me say this to all hard-working middle-class families who are struggling to make ends meet, we stopped the congestion tax once, we'll stop it again, game on," Gottheimer said. "In a time of inflation, New York's attempt to whack Jersey families and their own families with another tax is completely and utterly absurd."

The new congestion pricing plan was announced last week by Gov. Kathy Hochul, which would charge a $9 toll for commuters who drive south of 60th Street in New York City as opposed to to $15 through 2027. The MTA's board approved the plan on Monday.

Gottheimer also acknowledged the revised initiative will lead to major backups on the George Washington Bridge, while also impacting the health and finances of New Jersey residents. That impact includes tour buses and private carriers.

"Fighting for our members, we have insistently requested one thing...full exemption for all bus and motor coach private companies," added Patricia Cowley, representative for Greater Northeast Motor Coach Association.

On Long Island, state senators urged Gov. Kathy Hochul to rethink her backing of the congestion pricing plan and call on the legislature and partners in the federal government to repeal her plan.

"This is nothing short of another commuter tax being imposed on our suburban communities," said State Sen. Jack Martins. "This is not a republican or democrat issue. this is an issue that cuts across party lines. we have seen Republicans and Democrats all oppose this."

The toll is scheduled to start on Jan. 5. However, the revised plan still faces many legal challenges.