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New Jersey and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority are back in court, trying to settle a lawsuit over congestion pricing. Despite ongoing legal battles, the MTA's plan to charge drivers for entering Manhattan below 60th Street is still set to start in mid-June.
The lawsuit filed by New Jersey challenges the federal approval of the congestion pricing plan. The state's main concern is that the plan could increase air pollution in Bergen County due to extra traffic using the George Washington Bridge to avoid the congestion zone.
In response, MTA CEO Janno Lieber stated that they're open to specific measures that could address these environmental concerns. He also emphasized that their intention was never to discriminate against New Jersey.
Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams has expressed support for the program but believes there should be more exemptions. His administration is even working on an exemption for yellow school buses.
However, not everyone agrees with pushing forward with the plan. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has suggested pausing it altogether until people feel safe riding subways again and other pressing issues like crime and homelessness are addressed. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has also expressed his dissatisfaction with the plan.
Despite these disagreements, a hearing scheduled for early April could bring some resolution to this issue. Until then, it remains unclear how this will impact commuters and residents in both states.