N.Y. governor halts Manhattan traffic congestion pricing plan

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says she is indefinitely delaying the implementation of congestion pricing in Manhattan just weeks before the plan was to take effect.

The controversial plan would have had drivers pay $15 to enter Manhattan south of 60th street. Commercial vehicles and trucks would have paid more. The governor reportedly had concerns about affordability and the potential impact to the city’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

If implemented the congestion pricing plan would have been the first of its kind in the U. S. Some cities overseas, including London and Stockholm, have implemented similar plans.

The revenue raised by the plan was to be spent on critical transportation upgrades and maintenance. It would have helped improve the city’s subway system and improve other public transit options in the city and in the suburbs.

Hochul said she will continue to support transit improvements even without the dedicated funding from congestion tolls.