Governor Hochul’s announcement to move forward with congestion pricing is a necessary step, and we will truly be able to celebrate when funds begin to flow into the MTA, and tangible improvements are felt by New Yorkers. In partnership with the Congestion Pricing Coalition, we are supportive of the proposed phased-in toll structure—from $9 to an eventual $15. However, we need clear dates and timelines to ensure that this vital program is fully initiated before the next federal administration takes office so that critical funding reaches the MTA.

Congestion pricing is designed to address the disproportionate harm faced by environmental justice communities, including Central Business District residents, drivers stuck in traffic, pedestrians navigating unsafe streets, and public transit riders alike. The longer we wait, the more people suffer from public health burdens, traffic congestion, and inadequate, underfunded transit. Next Wednesday, the MTA board must vote to advance congestion pricing, and we urge Governor Hochul to follow up from this with a concrete, expedited timeline. New York’s transit system is at a breaking point, and further delays are unacceptable. Now is the time to fully implement this legislation, meet our climate goals, and deliver an equitable transportation future for New York and the region. We deserve nothing less.