Statement from Transportation Alternatives After Reports Governor Hochul Will Begin Congestion Pricing

Since the governor’s pause, thousands of New Yorkers called the governor’s office, marched on her doorstep, and testified to the MTA Board in support of congestion pricing. 

NEW YORK — Today, Transportation Alternatives released the following statement after reports that Governor Hochul will begin the nation’s first congestion pricing program.

Statement from Elizabeth Adams, Interim Co-Executive Director at Transportation Alternatives: 

“Congestion pricing will bring safer streets, cleaner air, faster buses, and billions in funding for public transportation. It’s essential to New York City’s future – and we can’t wait any longer to start this program.”

“Make no mistake: this announcement is happening because a broad, diverse, and determined coalition of New Yorkers turned up, spoke out, and fought for congestion pricing. We’re here today because people made countless phone calls to the governor and their legislators, protested for months, testified at MTA board meetings, organized their communities, and never gave up. The landscape of this city will be forever changed for the better because of these tireless New Yorkers and we owe them all a debt of gratitude.”

“We will push for congestion pricing to be implemented effectively and in a way that makes walking, driving, biking, taking the bus, and riding the subway work better. We won’t stop fighting for a New York City where every child can breathe clean air, every grandmother can safely cross the street, and every ambulance can quickly and efficiently reach the hospital.”

“We applaud the announcement of congestion pricing being turned back on. We look forward to the details of Governor Hochul’s plan, and her plans to protect New York City’s public transit system from federal interference.”