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Judge rejects stopping NYC congestion pricing
A big blow for opponents of congestion pricing. FOX 5 NY's Duarte Geraldino has the story.
NEW YORK CITY - A judge has refused to pump the brakes on the congestion pricing plan set to go into effect on Jan 5 in New York City.
In the ruling, Judge Lewis Liman said the plaintiffs did not prove that the harms of the program outweigh the economic and environmental benefits.
Liman cited studies showing that it would reduce traffic and improve air quality.
Other legal challenges are still being considered, including ones from Rockland County and New Jersey.
FOX 5 NY's Duarte Geraldino asked New Yorkers what they think of the plan.
New Yorker Dennis Collins hopes the courts will shut down New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's controversial plan to cut gridlock and push more people onto buses and trains.
"My mom’s in New Jersey, so I borrow the car a lot. I live on the Upper West Side. I hate congestion pricing because I’m constantly in and out of the city. It’s going to cost me a fortune," Collins said.
Four groups filed lawsuits to block the plan including:
- The United Federation of Teachers
- New Yorkers Against Congestion Pricing Tax
- The Trucking Association of New York
- Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella
The federal judge said no to all of them.
However, Staten Island isn't backing down. In a statement, Fossella's office said:
"Our claims that congestion pricing violates the Green Amendment, Federal NEPA, and the Commerce Clause continue to be heard."
Still, the chances of blocking the plan are slim. A judge in White Plains recently rejected a similar request from Rockland and Orange counties.
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Taking its Toll - Congestion Pricing
A special in-depth look at New York City's controversial congestion pricing plan for Manhattan. The overall plan is moving forward, with tolling set to begin in June. But how did we get here, and what can we expect? FOX 5 NY takes a look.
Their last hope now lies with a case in Newark, New Jersey or a possible intervention from president-elect Donald Trump, who has been vocal about his opposition.
The MTA says the program is a win for everyone.
"Congestion pricing will finally tackle gridlock, clear the way for emergency vehicles, and cut down on pollution. It benefits both drivers and transit riders," the MTA said in a statement.