NEW YORK–Congestion pricing took another step toward becoming a daily reality for New York City on Friday, as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) signaled its approval of the plan to charge a base toll of $9 for entering Manhattan below 60th Street.
After many months of wrangling, including lawsuits from proponents of the policy seeking to reverse a pause placed on it and vigorous opposition from lawmakers whose constituents commute to work in the city, the congestion pricing scheme made several advances in just a few days.
On Nov. 12, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul indicated she planned to reverse the pause she placed on the policy in June. Two days later, the governor made her new stance official, announcing at a press conference that congestion pricing would take effect on Jan. 5, 2025, with a $9 toll instead of the $15 originally envisioned….