NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — While Gov. Kathy Hochul has doubled-down on her shocking last-minute June decision to pause the MTA’s congestion pricing plan, she has alluded to alternative legislation that would increase revenue for the MTA, raising concern among Long Island lawmakers who originally filed lawsuits against the proposed toll.
“As the Governor has repeatedly said in public, she is exploring multiple options with legislative leaders to fund transit as the pause continues,” a spokesperson for the governor said in a Wednesday statement to 1010 WINS.
Reports began circulating this week that Hochul intends to bring forth a replacement for congestion pricing—a tolling system that would have charged drivers $15 when entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours.
Hochul, in a one-on-one interview with Politico at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday, said that she wants to roll out a plan in coming months and garner support from state lawmakers.
“We will be announcing this by the end of the year because the Legislature has to act on it,” she said to Politico. “It’s more likely it will be announced by the end of the year, early next year as we get the Legislature on board.”
These reports reignited criticism of the tax from opponents of the tolling plan, prompting Republican lawmakers on Long Island to rally in Hempstead on Wednesday morning.
Town Supervisor Don Clavin told 1010 WINS on Tuesday night that he believes the pause was an stunt to placate those fighting against the controversial toll during an election cycle with multiple battleground House races.
“Surprise, surprise. She’s going to bring it back after Election Day. This is nothing more than an election year gimmick by the governor,” Clavin said.
Proponents of the congestion pricing plan argue that it would reduce gridlock and pollution in the city while increasing access the MTA’s access and efficiency with billions in added funds, while opponents argue that the financial burden should not fall on commuters from the suburbs, who would be unfairly taxed.
“The MTA runs hundreds of millions of dollars in overtime,” Clavin said Tuesday/ “Maybe instead of dropping it on the backs of the people who drive to the city, who don't make a lot, maybe the MTA should tighten their belts.”
MTA chief of policy and external relations John J. McCarthy responded to the rally in a statement to 1010 WINS, affirming the success of its service of Long Island even without congestion pricing funding.
“While we appreciate random outbursts from political machine puppets, the MTA is running 40% more service on Long Island with a budget that’s three percent lower than before COVID,” McCarthy said.
Congestion pricing was facing multiple suits in the city, state and in New Jersey before the pause, and the decision behind Hochul’s pause was the financial strife the toll would cause for NYC workers.
“Governor Hochul’s position has not changed and congestion pricing continues to be paused indefinitely,” a spokesperson said Wednesday. “Like the majority of New Yorkers, Governor Hochul believes a $15 daily toll is just too much for working people trying to get by in today’s economy.”
In a follow-up interview with 1010 WINS on Wednesday afternoon, Clavin responded to the statements issued by the governor's office and MTA. He re-emphasized the MTA's "mismanagement" before promising to continue litigation if the governor does reinstate the congestion pricing plan.
“She paused this for nothing other than politics. That’s why people don’t like politicians," Clavin said. "She should do the right thing. If she’s not going to, we’re continuing with our lawsuit. We are confident we’re going to win, because somebody needs to stand up for the commuters and for the residents.”