Governor Phil Murphy firmly criticized New York’s plan to begin charging motorists a congestion pricing fee in certain parts of Manhattan, which could cost drivers $23 to simply drive south of 60th Street.
Proponents of the congestion pricing plan say that it’s intended to reduce the number of streets in the Central Business District, which would make the area more drivable and reduce pollution and would also raise funds for the MTA.
Murphy on Monday said that “in theory, it’s a good mitigation measure, but it’s an idea whose time has not come.”
The NJ Turnpike Authority and NJ EZ-Pass have been posting messages urging New Jersey drivers to weigh-in with their concerns about the plan, which includes slapping drivers with massive new fees and overburdening mass transit in the Garden State.
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce CEO Jessica Walker said she has serious concerns about the congesting pricing plan, as well.
“We have serious questions on the timing,” she said. “The Central Business District was hit hard,” by Covid-19. “Many economists fell New York City won’t be back until 2025. We need to slow this down.”
