NYC Gazette

The recent move by President Trump and Republican members of New York's congressional delegation has sparked significant concern over the future of congestion pricing in New York. Speaker Heastie has voiced strong criticism, highlighting the potential financial implications for the city's transit system.

"The president and the Republican members of New York’s congressional delegation – I’m looking at you Mike Lawler, Nicole Malliotakis, Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota – may have just created a $16 billion financial hole in the most important transit system in the nation," Heastie stated. He emphasized that these leaders should have a concrete plan to address this issue, rather than relying on "empty political talking points like toll evasion or the typical cost cutting measure cliche."

Heastie warned that if congestion pricing is halted, there should be preparations to compensate for the financial shortfall with a substantial contribution to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). However, he expressed skepticism about receiving anything beyond rhetoric from those opposing congestion pricing.