New York Governor Kathy Hochul has paused plans to implement additional surge pricing and expand congestion tolls in Manhattan following significant public backlash. According to Patch, the proposal, spearheaded by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), sought to introduce new peak-hour fees to alleviate traffic and fund public transit improvements.
As AsAmNews reported, the toll expansion drew criticism from small business owners, commuters, and residents in Chinatown and elsewhere. They argued that the additional fees would disproportionately burden working-class families and those reliant on vehicles for their livelihoods. Opponents emphasized that many already pay high transportation costs and would be further strained by the proposed changes.
In response to widespread criticism, Governor Hochul directed the MTA to reevaluate the plan. However, critics warn that the delay could hinder essential upgrades to New York’s transit infrastructure, leaving the city without a viable path forward.
Advocacy groups have expressed concern that, without substantial revisions, the proposed measures may disproportionately impact low-income residents and small businesses, deepening existing inequalities and compounding financial pressures on already struggling communities.
New Yorkers will not totally escape the increased commuter tax. The federal government approved a new tax of $9 to begin January 5th.
Hochul however has put the brakes, at least for now, on a plan to add an additional 25% surcharge on 20 days in 2025 when gridlock would be at its worst.
Some opponents of the tax said Hochul did not go far enough in halting the commuter tax.
“Kathy Hochul is the Grinch who stole Christmas,” said Hudson Valley Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican weighing a run against Hochul in 2026 said to the New York Post.
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they need to closed down mta and 200 year old inferstructure. do way with bus and train . they not safe . input new over head modern smart rail that move above traffic . The city are narrowing to infuse the congestion with school buses and new road construction. how much millions of dollars bunos mta give there upper management and ceo . close it down and bring in outside contractors. Ezpass already has it . one company scan , one provide tag , one process the scan tag . one process the picture. one process total bill . one mail out the bill . It like 7 different agency for one ezpass bill that is out sauce to a foriegn company in another country like india ,Bangladesh. .an they will not hire usa citizens to the job .