Don’t expect changes to MTA's congestion pricing even after final public review
The congestion pricing plan approved by the MTA board this week may require 60 days of public review, but New Yorkers shouldn’t expect any major tweaks or changes to the scheme.
Congestion Pricing Structure Near Completion
The congestion pricing structure, including the $15 base fee, a 75% discount on overnight tolls, and a $5 credit to drivers who cross a tunnel into the tolling zone, is close to being fully finalized. MTA Chair Janno Lieber stated that making major adjustments to the pricing structure could have significant consequences and could even trigger a “doomsday scenario” where the plan would have to be sent back to the Federal Highway Administration for further review.
Mayor Eric Adams previously suggested that the plan was open for discussion, but Lieber's comments indicate that the structure is not likely to undergo major changes.
The tolls are required by law to generate $1 billion a year, so any substantial modifications to the pricing structure could throw the entire plan off balance.
Consideration of Changes to Toll Structure
While major changes to the toll structure are unlikely, there were indications at the MTA board meeting that officials were taking Mayor Adams’ concerns into consideration. Specifically, the recommendation to toll school buses is being reconsidered due to concerns about distinguishing between school buses and party buses that use the same vehicles.
However, any adjustments to the toll structure will still need to go through another round of public hearings and consideration of public concerns.
The two lawsuits filed by New Jersey lawmakers also cast a shadow on the MTA board vote. Gov. Phil Murphy and Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich are both fighting to stop the program in federal court, and the judge overseeing the cases could potentially delay or even cancel the congestion pricing plan.
Potential Impact of Delays
The delay in implementing congestion pricing has already had consequences, such as the freezing of a planned upgrade to the signal equipment on the A and C subway lines in Brooklyn. Further delays could result in the postponement of other projects as well.
State lawmakers initially intended for congestion pricing to launch more than two years ago, but various delays have caused setbacks.
The MTA is continuing to listen to public comments and take the public's concerns seriously, although in an ideal scenario, major changes to the toll structure would be avoided.
