New York Governor Kathy Hochul has taken a firm stance against former President Donald Trump’s plan to eliminate New York City’s congestion pricing program, demanding $15 billion in compensation to support the city’s subway system if the initiative is scrapped.
During an appearance on Morning Joe on Wednesday, Hochul revealed details of her private conversation with Trump at the White House last week. The governor stated that she made it clear the state would suffer significant financial losses without the congestion pricing revenue.
“You’re gonna have to give me $15 billion to invest in a subway system, then,” Hochul said, emphasizing the critical role congestion pricing plays in funding public transportation. She explained that the money generated from the initiative is necessary for essential infrastructure improvements, including station repairs and new buses.
Hochul’s comments come after Federal Highway Administration executive director Gloria Shepherd instructed city, state, and MTA officials to “cease the collection of tolls” by March 21. This directive followed a letter from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announcing the federal government’s decision to halt the program.
Despite these setbacks, Hochul vowed to fight back, stating her commitment to defending congestion pricing. “We have to fight to keep it going, and that’s why I’m taking it to the courts, and I’ll take it wherever I can,” she declared.
With the federal government pushing for an “orderly cessation” of the program, Hochul made it clear she intends to resist. “They’re telling us we have to have an orderly cessation by the end of March. I’m saying we’re going to have to have an orderly resistance.”
Sources By Agencies
