Kathy Hochul’s decision to “indefinitely pause” congestion pricing in Manhattan is likely to reverberate for decades, much like the former New Jersey governor Chris Christie’s decision in 2010 to block construction of a badly needed new rail tunnel under the Hudson River.
Both were short-term choices that pushed aside critical long-term investments in the most mass-transit-dependent metropolitan area of the nation.
The decision by Mr. Christie, which he said was based on the project’s cost, compromised the region’s competitiveness, economy and environment.
Ms. Hochul’s action raises questions about whether congestion pricing, which was set to begin at the end of the month, will ever happen.
It will mean continued congestion on some of the world’s most traffic-stymied streets and no relief from the air pollution from auto and truck exhaust.
Persons:
Kathy Hochul’s, Chris Christie’s, Christie, Hochul’s, Christie’s
Organizations:
New, New Jersey Transit, Amtrak, Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Locations:
Manhattan, New Jersey, Hudson, Jersey