Overview
- Governor Kathy Hochul is considering a reduced $9 congestion toll to enter Manhattan below 60th Street, down from the originally proposed $15.
- The plan is intended to fund New York City's public transit system and reduce traffic and pollution, but faces strong resistance from Republican lawmakers and some Democrats.
- Hochul paused the plan in June, allegedly to avoid political backlash during elections, but is now pushing for its implementation before President-elect Trump can block it.
- Critics argue that the toll is an oppressive tax on commuters, and Trump has promised to end the plan in his first week back in office.
- The plan's revival is urgent due to existing federal approvals, but lowering the toll may trigger a new environmental review, potentially delaying its implementation.