By Michael V. Cusenza
Two weeks after he sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul effectively ending congestion pricing, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy released a video featuring brief testimonials from “everyday” New Yorkers who want the tolling program permanently terminated.
“Hard working New Yorkers aren’t pissed off at the White House. They’re pissed off about being charged $9 to use their own streets,” Duffy captioned the 26-second clip. “Don’t take it from me, listen to what the people have to say about New York’s congestion pricing cash grab. End the disconnect. End congestion pricing. Now.”
“Very bad for business,” one man said.
Photo Courtesy of Marc Hermann/MTA
MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber has insisted that congestion pricing yielded positive results.
“I think it’s definitely borderline stealing,” said another.
As detailed in the February 19 letter to Hochul, Duffy indicated he was ending the program for two reasons: First, the scope of congestion pricing is unprecedented and provides no toll-free option for many drivers who want or need to travel by vehicle in this major urbanized area. Second, the toll rate was set primarily to raise revenue for transit, rather than at an amount needed to reduce congestion. By doing so, the pilot runs contrary to the purpose of the Value Pricing Pilot Program, which is to impose tolls for congestion reduction—not transit revenue generation.
“It’s backwards and unfair,” Duffy added. “The program also hurts small businesses in New York that rely on customers from New Jersey and Connecticut. Finally, it impedes the flow of commerce into New York by increasing costs for trucks, which in turn could make goods more expensive for consumer. Every American should be able to access New York City regardless of their economic means. It shouldn’t be reserved for an elite few.”
