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New Jersey is making a last-minute attempt to delay the start of congestion pricing in Manhattan, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday (January 5). The congestion pricing plan will charge a nine-dollar toll for vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak hours. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's administration has filed a request for a Temporary Restraining Order to prevent the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) from implementing the tolling program.
Federal Judge Leo Gordon has scheduled a hearing for Friday (January 3) at 3 p.m. in Newark, just over a day before the toll is set to begin. The judge has asked the MTA and federal officials to provide more details about the program, but has not yet decided whether the toll can start as planned.
The congestion pricing plan has been in development for years and aims to reduce traffic congestion and generate funds to modernize mass transit. New York Governor Kathy Hochul's office has stated that the toll will begin as scheduled, despite the legal challenge from New Jersey.
Avi Small, the press secretary for Governor Hochul, said to NJ.com, "Congestion pricing is still going to take effect on Sunday January 5th."
The legal battle is not over, as other lawsuits, including one from Queens City Council member Bob Holden, argue that the toll disproportionately affects outer borough residents. Another court hearing in a related case is expected in two weeks.