Opposition is mounting against New York's proposed congestion pricing plan, with critics like New York City Council Member Bob Holden and Representative Nicole Malliotakis labeling it as a 'scam' and a 'tax' on residents. They argue that the plan is a cover for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) financial mismanagement, including fare evasion and wasteful spending. A coalition of Manhattan residents and merchants, alongside New Jersey and Staten Island representatives, have filed a lawsuit against the MTA, claiming the agency violated federal law by not conducting a comprehensive environmental impact study as mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Critics also contend the scheme will disproportionately burden car owners, increase pollution in neighboring New Jersey, and generate three times the revenue required by the state, essentially serving as a 'cash-grab' to bail out the MTA. The hashtag #AxeTheTax is being used to rally opposition. Representative Josh Gottheimer (RepJoshG) has provided a detailed analysis in his Congressional Report, and Governor Kathy Hochul has been criticized for a 'fraud' proposal in the new budget aimed at congestion toll beaters.
Gov. Kathy Hochul declares war against NYC congestion toll beaters with 'fraud' proposal in new budget- New Yorkers should sue the administration for this. This is just another way of stealing from the people. Pimping us to pay more money. Disgusting! https://t.co/Q6Z0mlf1Q9
My Congressional Report gives a detailed analysis of NY’s proposed Congestion Tax. The biggest finding: the @MTA is estimated to generate 3x revenue required by the state. The Congestion Tax is nothing but a cash-grab to bail out the mismanaged MTA. https://t.co/66b9LQBhEh
NY has admitted the @MTA’s Congestion Tax will increase toxic pollutants in NJ, lead to more truck & car traffic by the GW Bridge & Lincoln Tunnel, & whack truck drivers making deliveries to NYC. After years of mismanagement, it’s clear they’re just desperate for cash. https://t.co/v66tOaBlRb
Hey @MBPMarkLevine please comment on why you are pushing congestion pricing while consistently taking calls, zoom meetings and being driven in by a taxpayer paid chauffeur? New Yorkers deserve to understand why it is ok for you to drive everywhere but not them? https://t.co/qU5vds2w4a
Congestion pricing is a scam that must not move forward! See more about yesterday's announcement on the class action filed to stop this scam tax. #AxeTheTax https://t.co/mYeMDW9XS3
A group of residents & merchants in Manhattan are joining New Jersey and Staten Island in suing @MTA to STOP #NYC congestion pricing. The MTA violated federal law when it did not conduct a full & thorough environmental impact study as required by NEPA. It Must Be Stopped. 🛑
Nope. Not surprised. New York City and Albany lawmakers will get more and more desperate for money as more taxpayers flee and they will see car owners as an easy target to raise revenues and close budget gaps. “ Congestion Pricing “ in a zone that’s far bigger than any actual… https://t.co/qBzcMJ9oeE
The congestion pricing scam is nothing but a tax on hardworking New Yorkers. It's a cover for the MTA's relentless squandering of our tax dollars. It's time the MTA tackled fare evasion & rooted out rampant waste and abuse within the agency, rather than penalizing our residents. https://t.co/52LhL9CmTF