Is New York Governor Kathy Hochul reconsidering her decision to “pause” MTA’s Manhattan congestion pricing program? NBC News New York and WABC News report it’s a possibility.
According to NBC, the gloomy MTA financial outlook report issued this week by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has the governor refocusing on the deficit in the transportation agency’s capital program funding. Hochul told reporters on Wednesday she is getting closer to lifting her June postponement of congestion pricing. “Putting forth a plan by the end of the year, as we’ve committed. We are approaching that time frame,” Hochul said.
NBC adds, “If congestion pricing does start, the governor indicated it could be at a lower toll. For example, the price could come down to $9 instead of $15 — which is within the range federal officials already approved. Hochul also said her year-end plan would address the MTA’s other financial needs with a multi-billion dollar capital budget.”