New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been accused of misleading the public about the impact of her new congestion pricing plan for Manhattan. While Hochul claimed that the new $9 toll represents a 40% reduction from the previously proposed $15 toll, she failed to mention a critical detail: this new toll represents a 100% increase from the current toll of $0.
During a press conference, Hochul expressed concern for New Yorkers struggling with the high cost of living, including inflation, which she suggested made the initial $15 toll too burdensome. She claimed that the new $9 toll would provide significant savings to commuters, estimating that the lower fee would save families nearly $1,500 annually. “I have always fought for affordability for New York families,” Hochul stated, positioning the new toll as a relief for working parents and commuters.
Hochul: I'm saving you 40% since the toll will be $9, not $15. (Current toll: $0)pic.twitter.com/S4v0QW9sug
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 17, 2024
However, critics quickly pointed out that the toll increase from $0 to $9 is in fact a substantial hike, not a reduction. The current system, which charges no tolls to enter the central business district, would see daily commuters paying over $2,000 annually under the new plan. Many feel that Hochul’s framing of the new toll as a “savings” is disingenuous, especially since the original plan did not include a toll, to begin with.
Fox News senior political analyst Brit Hume described the approach as insulting to voters, remarking, “She must think NY voters are really dumb.” Others, including RedState’s Bonchie, criticized Hochul for attempting to present the toll increase as a victory for commuters, calling it a tactic to extort less from taxpayers than originally planned.
Gov. Hochul says daily commuters will save nearly $1500 annually because the congestion toll into Manhattan will be $9 instead of $15.
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 17, 2024
The plan, which is set to take effect in January 2025, aims to reduce traffic congestion in Manhattan while also funding the city’s mass transit system. While these are important goals, critics argue that the Governor’s rhetoric and failure to fully disclose the toll’s increase may undermine trust in her administration’s handling of economic policies.
Kathy Hochul thinks we’re stupid.
She thinks taxing us 9$ for driving, instead of $15, means she’s saving us money.
No toll to a $9 toll is an increase, Kathy. Not a decrease. pic.twitter.com/uw1t4aLJHi
— Anthony P. D'Esposito (@ANTHONYDESPO) November 15, 2024
As New Yorkers face a new financial burden in the form of this toll, many are questioning whether Hochul’s version of “savings” is really a step forward or just another example of government overreach dressed up as a good deed. With the state’s budget already strained, the 100% toll hike on residents who drive into Manhattan could become a key issue in the next election cycle.
