Federal judge in Newark, New Jerseyrejected the state’s request to pause implementation of New York’s controversial congestion pricing plan.
The ruling allows the plan to begin as planned on Sunday, according to Fox 5.
New Jersey leaders who filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority argued that the agency’s environmental studies were insufficient.
Judge Leo Gordon previously said regulators must specify how much money New Jersey communities will receive to reduce potential pollution impacts from congestion pricing. However, he did not say whether the tolls would come into effect.
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A federal judge in Newark, New Jersey, has denied the state’s request to pause implementation of New York’s controversial congestion pricing plan. (Getty Images)
In his ruling on Friday, Gordon said there was no basis for delaying the toll collection.
Randy Mastro, New Jersey’s state attorney, said he intends to file an appeal to block the start of congestion pricing.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber praised the ruling, noting the potential benefits of congestion pricing.
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The ruling allows the plan to begin as planned on Sunday. (Getty Images)
“We’ve been studying this issue for five years, but it only takes five minutes if you’re in midtown Manhattan to see that New York has a real traffic problem,” Lieber said at a news conference. “I acknowledge that there has been a lot of controversy surrounding this program and there are a lot of people who are concerned about the impact of congestion pricing. I want to tell them that the point is to make the city better for everyone.”
Congestion pricing is expected to generate billions in modernization revenue New York’s transit infrastructure, but has faced criticism from New Jersey officials and commuters who say it places an unfair burden on people coming from outside New York.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber praised the ruling, noting the potential benefits of congestion pricing. (Getty Images)
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Some travelers could face daily fees of up to $22, which would include existing tolls for Port master crossings.
President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly said he plans to block the plan after he takes office later this month.
