Hochul says critics of her congestion pricing pause lack ‘imagination’ on funding MTA
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday addressed critics of her decision to delay the rollout of congestion pricing in New York City, pledging that she and other state leaders would find alternative ways to fund long-planned MTA projects without the tolling program taking effect on June 30 as originally envisioned.
“There is no lack of imagination here, because we will find a funding source,” Hochul added. "It doesn't have to be a one-shot.”the city’s years-in-the-making congestion pricing plan, which would have charged drivers a $15 base fare to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. The toll revenue and associated bond financing would haveto subway stations, commuter railroads and the MTA’s bus fleet, including accessibility improvements and necessary maintenance.
But Hochul said on Monday she was “confident” the MTA projects would eventually advance. She did not immediately identify a new funding source for the work and state lawmakers“They will be settled, but I need some time to work with the Legislature on this, and the leaders are committed to working with me on this, and we're speaking on a regular basis about it,” Hochul said.
“I wanted to reserve the right to continue studying this, considering our options, hearing from people, and that's exactly what I did,” Hochul said. “There’s a big difference between a pause and an elimination. Elimination was an option. I said I'm committed to congestion pricing.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
MTA board 'blindsided' by NYC congestion pricing delay and Gov. Kathy Hochul, sources saySources say Gov. Kathy Hochul neglected to tell MTA board members, who were shocked and stunned by the move on congestion pricing.
Read more »
Hochul, Albany lawmakers scramble to find new funding stream for MTA after pausing congestion pricing |In the wake of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision earlier this week to indefinitely pause congestion pricing, she and state lawmakers have been scrambling to find a
Read more »
NY lawmakers won’t tackle Hochul-created MTA budget hole, for nowNY lawmakers won’t tackle Hochul-created MTA budget hole, for now
Read more »
Until Hochul finds billions for congestion pricing funding gap, MTA to focus on ‘basic' operationsThe lack of funding from congestion pricing 'has serious implications' for the MTA Capital Program, leadership warned late Friday.
Read more »
Fall internships, congestion pricing grace period, and Hunter College stationamNewYork Metro, in conjunction with the MTA, present “Ask the MTA,” a column where MTA officials answer your questions about transit service in New York
Read more »
NYC congestion pricing pause halts MTA projects, as NY governor calls for tax increaseThe governor's behind-the-scenes effort to get legislative approval for the tax hike came a day after she unexpectedly upended the “congestion pricing”…
Read more »