New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has amplified the state's legal challenge against the federal government's endorsement of New York City's congestion pricing plan. Murphy argues that the plan unfairly burdens New Jersey commuters.
This move follows Murphy's recent letter to President Trump requesting intervention on the issue, highlighting a rare point of agreement between the Democrat governor and the former Republican president, who both criticized the plan during Trump's previous term. Implemented under the Biden administration, the $9 fee affects vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street.
Murphy contends that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) expedited the approval process without proper consideration. He criticizes the plan as financially straining New Jersey residents while primarily benefiting New York's transportation system. The governor points out that while some tunnel users receive a minor toll credit, those using the George Washington Bridge or Staten Island crossings receive no such offset.
New Jersey's updated lawsuit emphasizes the FHWA's alleged oversight of the increased traffic impact on Bergen County communities near the George Washington Bridge, areas already grappling with air quality concerns. The suit cites Fort Lee as a specific example of a community likely to experience heightened truck traffic and subsequent pollution due to the congestion pricing plan.
The governor also highlighted the financial burden on commuters, particularly the combined effect of the congestion charge and the existing Port Authority tolls. He has requested detailed data from the Port Authority on revenue shifts related to altered driving patterns.
While acknowledging his willingness to collaborate with the federal government on shared concerns, Murphy's letter to Trump underscores the former president's past criticism of the congestion pricing plan. Murphy expresses openness to the concept but criticizes the current implementation as flawed and insufficiently studied. He alleges that Governor Hochul's temporary suspension of the plan was strategically timed around the previous presidential election.
New Jersey Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, while supporting Murphy's efforts, urged the governor to address the concerns of New Jersey transit riders facing fare increases. Governor Hochul claims New York offered a substantial financial settlement to New Jersey, which was declined. Meanwhile, some members of Congress have called for the resignation of MTA Chairman Janno Lieber over his public endorsement of the tolling initiative.
