Hochul Again Praises Congestion Pricing: Hugh L. Carey Tunnel Now 16% Faster

By Y.M. Lowy

Governor Kathy Hochul is once again praising New York City’s congestion pricing program, pointing to new numbers that show fewer cars on the road and more people riding buses and trains.

Her office and the MTA said nearly 2.7 million fewer vehicles entered the congestion zone in August, a 14 percent drop from the usual number. Transit ridership also hit its highest point since the pandemic. Travel times through the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, used daily by many from Boro Park, are already 16 percent faster, according to state data.

Hochul says the toll money, expected to bring in $15 billion, will pay for new rail cars, better accessibility, and the long-delayed Second Avenue Subway extension.

“With summer coming to an end, the benefits of congestion pricing are clearer than ever,” Hochul said, calling the program “transformational” for safer streets and faster commutes.

But critics say Hochul is leaving out the downsides. Drivers from the outer boroughs and suburbs argue the tolls are unfair and place extra costs on working families. Small businesses worry about higher delivery costs, while lawsuits are still trying to block the program. Others say traffic has just been pushed into nearby neighborhoods, creating new problems outside the toll zone.

Even with all the pushback, Hochul insists congestion pricing is “working” and says the cameras will stay on.