Hochul defends congestion pricing in State of the State address amid renewed criticism from Trump
President Trump sharply criticized the policy Monday in a post on Truth Social, calling congestion pricing “a disaster for New York.” He said it should be ended “immediately” and claimed the program will “never work.”
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Gov. Kathy Hochul is doubling down on congestion pricing, calling the policy a success in her State of the State address, even as criticism grows from political leaders, including President Donald Trump.
Hochul said the tolling program has reduced traffic in Manhattan and generated hundreds of millions of dollars for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority; money she says is being reinvested into mass transit. She also made it clear the state plans to keep the program in place.
“When they tried to kill congestion pricing, we beat them back in court again and again,” Hochul said. “Congestion pricing is staying on.”
MORE: Toll of Commuting: Congestion Pricing
President Trump sharply criticized the policy Monday in a post on Truth Social, calling congestion pricing “a disaster for New York.” He said it should be ended “immediately” and claimed the program will “never work.”
Despite the criticism, some Long Islanders who regularly drive into the city say they support the plan.
“It reduces the noise. It reduces all the toxins in the air from cars,” said Marjorie David of Southold. “I do understand that for some people it’s very expensive, but I do think it’s a good idea to move toward a greener society.”
Hochul says there are no plans to roll back congestion pricing, setting the stage for continued debate as commuters, business owners and political leaders weigh the policy’s costs and benefits.
