By:  Hal C Clarke

Former Representative Mondaire Jones, who is running for his old congressional seat in New York’s 17th congressional district, is facing opposition due to his previous endorsement of congestion pricing for Manhattan’s midtown business district.

Jones had initially supported congestion pricing during a debate in August 2022 but has now changed his stance, NY Post reports.

In a recent statement to The Post, Jones clarified that he does not support congestion pricing for residents of the lower Hudson Valley. He explained that his previous comments on congestion pricing had included the need for exemptions for communities without adequate transportation infrastructure. Jones highlighted the lack of convenient train access from Rockland County to the city and the absence of Metro-North service to Penn Station as reasons for his revised position.

His Democratic opponent, Liz Whitmer Gereghty, expressed her disagreement with the congestion pricing plan, stating that it unfairly burdens commuters in the Lower Hudson Valley, especially those in Rockland County who already face tolls on the George Washington Bridge and the Tappan Zee. Republican incumbent Representative Michael Lawler also criticized Jones, calling congestion pricing an “absurd, $5,000-a-year commuter tax.”

The congestion pricing plan, which recently received final approval from the Biden administration, aims to reduce congestion by implementing higher tolls during peak hours. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is responsible for determining the toll amounts and exemptions. The plan has the support of New York Governor Kathy Hochul and could be implemented in spring 2024. Federal reviews have suggested that the higher tolls could reduce the number of cars driving in the central business district by up to 60%.

Jones’ change of position on congestion pricing has become a focal point in the campaign, with his opponents criticizing him for inconsistency and lack of clarity. The issue of congestion pricing continues to be a contentious topic, with varying opinions on its impact on commuters and the region as a whole.

Recent developments in congestion pricing in New York City have seen significant progress towards its implementation. The Biden administration granted final approval to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s congestion pricing program, marking a crucial step in creating the special toll pricing system. This approval includes determining the toll amounts and exemptions for drivers.

Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed strong support for the plan, which aims to reduce congestion by charging higher tolls during peak hours. While the exact toll amount has yet to be determined by the MTA, it is anticipated to range between $9 and $23 per day for cars entering Manhattan’s central business district. The pricing system could be put into effect in the spring of 2024.

A federal review conducted on congestion pricing highlighted its potential to significantly decrease the number of cars driving in the district by up to 60%. This reduction in traffic is expected to alleviate congestion and improve overall traffic flow.

However, congestion pricing continues to be a subject of debate and contention. Some opponents argue that it places an unfair burden on commuters, particularly those in the Lower Hudson Valley, such as Rockland County, who already face tolls on other bridges. They argue that the plan disproportionately impacts certain regions and individuals.

The recent developments in congestion pricing represent a significant step forward, with final approval from the Biden administration and the ongoing process of determining toll amounts and exemptions. As the implementation process moves forward, further discussions and considerations regarding the impact on commuters and the effectiveness of reducing congestion are likely to continue.