By: Daniella Doria
The Republican candidate for Governor of New York is leading the voices speaking out against a proposed plan to introduce congestions pricing and tolls for drivers entering Midtown Manhattan.
“Instead of this Hunger Games-like battle over special exemptions from the new congestion pricing scam, the better solution is to just stop this Hochul Hike altogether,” GOP gubernatorial candidate Rep. Lee Zeldin tweeted Aug. 28, according to The New York Post.
The plan is set to go into effect in late 2023 and could mean a toll ranging from $9 to $23 for drivers coming into the city during certain times of the day.
The exclusive report from The New York Post says, “Disgraced ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Democratic-run state Legislature approved tolling drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street in 2019 to curb congestion and raise an annual $1 billion to help finance mass transit. The plan puts some commuters in a bind. Many motorists in the outer-boroughs and suburbs want improvements to subway and commuter rail lines but don’t want to pay the new toll — and are clamoring for exemptions or discounts.”
Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate for Governor of New York, from Long Island, wrote in and Op-Ed for The New York Post, “At a time when they need financial help the most, Kathy Hochul wants to turn the screws on struggling New Yorkers upward of another $34.50 a day. As if it wasn’t bad enough that this Hochul Hike would raise another $1 billion a year on the backs of hardworking New Yorkers, with no changes that would force the MTA to spend this taxpayer money more efficiently or effectively, the kicker is, historically, congestion pricing has failed spectacularly at its stated goals.”
“Congestion pricing will hurt middle class families here on Long Island. These are the men and women, police officers, firefighters, construction office and service workers who will be forced to pay this tax, having had little say in how the program was enacted, designed and implemented. “It’s not only bad for their own family budgets, already stretched by inflation, but also damaging for our region’s economy and growth. These impacts must be recognized and addressed”, said Jack Martins, a former three-term state senator.
Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, who represents Staten Island and southern Brooklyn, recently held a press conference with New Jersey Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer to denounce the plan.
“The fact that the City, State, and MTA are proposing a congestion tax to make up for lost revenue after they’ve received billions in federal assistance and opportunities to apply for matching grants through the federal infrastructure bill is absurd and goes to show how mismanaged the authority is,” Malliotakis said.
“Go after toll evaders, turnstile jumpers, and make New York City’s transit safe so more residents and tourists ride, but stop treating New Yorkers and American taxpayers like ATMs. The MTA is a notorious blackhole and the Inspector General should audit every federal dollar the MTA has received. Enough is enough.”
