New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) has officially requested that President \ Donald Trump reconsider New York City's congestion pricing plan, the first of its kind implemented in the U.S. In a recent letter, Murphy emphasized that the plan, which would charge vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street, lacked the necessary federal scrutiny during its initial approval process. Murphy believes there is a shared interest in addressing congestion and its impact on cross-border commuters.

“As you begin your second term as President, I welcome any opportunity to work with you and your Administration where we can find common ground,” Murphy wrote, expressing hope that the administration will conduct the thorough review he feels the program requires. The current congestion pricing scheme was officially launched on January 5, imposing an initial toll of $9 for most passenger vehicles during peak hours. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has previously indicated that a higher fee could disproportionately affect working- and middle-class families. “A $15 charge may not mean a lot to someone who has the means, but it can break the budget of a working- or middle-class household,” she stated in June.

Republican leaders in New York, including Trump, have vocally opposed the congestion pricing initiative, labeling it a tax on commuters. Murphy’s letter to Trump highlighted the lack of an environmental impact study performed by the Biden administration, prompting Murphy to seek intervention from Trump's administration. “We are asking the Trump administration to do what the Biden administration did not do,” he reiterated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review that includes the environmental effects on New Jersey.

The congestion pricing model has faced significant debate as it aims to reduce congestion while generating revenue for New York City's struggling public transit system. Notably, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has said that the funds generated through this pricing would enable it to issue $15 billion in bonds for capital projects. Murphy criticized the congestion pricing as a "disaster for working- and middle-class New Jersey commuters" and raised concerns regarding additional traffic and pollution diverted into New Jersey communities due to this initiative. “Adding insult to injury, New Jersey communities are not being fully compensated for the additional traffic and attendant pollution,” he lamented.

Despite these criticisms, preliminary data indicated that the congestion pricing plan has successfully reduced vehicle numbers within Manhattan, suggesting an initial positive effect on traffic flow. As discussions continue, Murphy awaits a response from Trump and remains hopeful about finding a pathway to an equitable transportation policy that considers the needs of both New Jersey residents and those of New York City.

For more details, please refer to the full article on Congestion Pricing from The Hill.