Governor Phil Murphy has expressed his opposition to New York's proposed congestion pricing plan. He criticized the timing of the proposal, stating, "There could not be a worse time to impose a new $9 toll on individuals who are traveling into downtown Manhattan for work, school, or leisure." Murphy highlighted the economic difficulties faced by many Americans and suggested that these challenges were reflected in recent voter sentiments.
Murphy also pointed out that New Jersey was not adequately consulted during the development of the plan. He remarked, "New Jersey has never been meaningfully consulted on the design of this plan, either in its initial iteration or the version that was announced today." He further alleged that the initiative seems aimed at addressing financial issues faced by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at New Jersey residents' expense.
While acknowledging openness to a form of congestion pricing beneficial to environmental goals without disproportionately affecting New Jersey commuters, Murphy asserted that "today’s plan woefully fails that test."
He called upon Governor Kathy Hochul and other regional elected officials to reconsider and oppose the proposal. Murphy concluded by affirming his administration's commitment to legally challenging the plan: "Meanwhile, my administration will continue the fight to block this plan in court."
