MTA Pauses Roll Out of Congestion Pricing Until Mid-June

By M. C. Millman

The MTA has paused the launch of its much-contested congestion pricing plan rollout to mid-June due to a slew of lawsuits, including a call from elected and union officials for more bus access.

"We have been putting a lot of pressure on the MTA, specifically their leadership," New York Senator Bill Weber shares with Rockland Daily. "In response to my questions at a recent hearing, MTA CEO Janno Lieber admitted that Rocklanders are not getting first-class service. They need to make the congestion pricing delay a permanent one. Rockland residents  can't afford another unfair tax."

Lawmakers and unions are demanding that before the congestion pricing goes into effect, $90 million be put toward more buses fare-free ridership programs.  In addition, a lawsuit filed by the United Federation of Teachers and Staten Island Borough is demanding more research on air quality as the outer boroughs and Bergen County are concerned that their cities will suffer from increased pollution from additional traffic once congestion pricing begins.

"Suburban families and workers - including police, firefighters, and first responders - realize what a raw deal they're getting with congestion pricing," Congressman Mike Lawler said on X. "I’ll continue working with colleagues in both parties to stop this disastrous policy dead in its tracks."