June 10, 2024 — After listening to concerns from various public employee unions, including those raised by PEF President Wayne Spence, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on June 6, 2024, that Manhattan’s congestion pricing program would be put on hold indefinitely. Absent this action, the plan would have taken effect on June 30 would have cost drivers $15 per day to enter Manhattan south of 60th street, with commercial vehicles and trucks paying steeper tolls. Citing concerns around various unintended consequences – which would include the significant new out-of-pocket costs for PEF members and other workers who travel into Manhattan for work — Governor Hochul announced the suspension of the program.
“PEF appreciates that Governor Hochul is listening to the concerns of workers with the current congestion pricing plan. We look forward to working with her and city officials to address the unintended consequences of the current plan on PEF members and other workers who travel into Manhattan for work,” said President Spence.
This is a major win for the thousands of PEF members who rely on their own vehicles to get to work in lower Manhattan and who would have seen their commuting costs grow exponentially.
PEF will keep members apprised of developments as they occur.