New Jersey’s Last-Ditch Effort to Stop Congestion Pricing Denied by Judge
In a dramatic turn of events, a judge has rejected New Jersey’s final attempt to halt the MTA’s highly-debated congestion pricing plan in Manhattan. The ruling comes just hours before the plan was set to take effect, leaving many in suspense.
Randy Mastro, the state’s attorney, expressed the state’s disappointment with the court’s decision not to delay the implementation of the congestion pricing program. He argued that the Federal Highway Administration’s approval of the MTA’s plan lacked proper environmental mitigation commitments for New Jersey.
Judge’s Decision and Reactions
During the Friday afternoon hearing in Newark, Judge Leo Gordon dismissed New Jersey’s plea for a temporary restraining order, paving the way for congestion pricing to go into effect after midnight on Jan. 5. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber welcomed the judge’s ruling, emphasizing the need to address New York’s pressing traffic issues.
New Jersey officials, led by Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, raised concerns about the adverse impacts of the plan on areas west of the Hudson. They warned of potential gridlocks akin to the infamous “Bridgegate” scandal, calling for additional funding for public transportation systems in the county.
Implications of Congestion Pricing
The congestion pricing program, years in the making, aims to toll drivers entering Manhattan below 61st Street. The MTA projects substantial revenue generation to modernize mass transit, with peak prices set at $9 for cars equipped with EZ-Pass and off-peak rates dropping to $2.25.
Betsy Plum, the executive director of Riders Alliance, lauded the program as a transformative policy that would revamp public transit, reduce gridlock, and combat air pollution across the region. However, Plum warned that Governor Phil Murphy’s potential decision to appeal could hinder progress and exacerbate existing transit challenges.
Reactions from Transit Officials and New Yorkers
Amidst New Jersey’s legal challenges, John McCarthy, MTA’s chief of policy, dismissed the state’s interventions, questioning their credibility given their own transit management issues and toll increases. Meanwhile, Claire O’Donnell-McCarthy noted the success of congestion pricing in international cities like London and endorsed New York’s initiative.
City Council member Bob Holden expressed skepticism about the plan’s impact on outer borough residents and predicted ongoing legal battles. Despite differing opinions, New Yorkers are bracing for the imminent changes as congestion pricing is set to take effect, reshaping the city’s transportation landscape.
