NJ Dem Slams New York as Controversial NYC Congestion Pricing Takes Effect

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., called out New York as he prepares to implement a controversial new congestion pricing tax on commuters on Saturday.

The congestion charging program takes effect Sunday, but Sherrill says the tax is little more than an attempt to “fund the (Metro Transportation Authority) on the backs of New Jersey commuters.”

“This new tax will increase costs for New Jersey residents, while worsening traffic and increasing pollution in New Jersey as commuters go out of their way to seek more affordable routes to New York,” Sherrill wrote.

“I refuse to stand idly by while New York uses New Jersey’s workforce as a meal ticket for the MTA,” she added. “And I will continue to fight to move businesses to the Garden State, to expand office-sharing locations, and to make it easier for New Jerseyans to work remotely.”

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Sherrill is one of a long list of Democratic candidates vying for New Jersey’s gubernatorial race this year.

The congestion charge took effect Sunday despite efforts by New Jersey officials, who filed a lawsuit seeking to block its implementation on the grounds that New York State had not adequately investigated the impacts environmental.

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Gordon ruled Friday that there was no reason to delay the toll.

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber welcomed the decision, highlighting the potential benefits of congestion pricing.

“We’ve been studying this for five years, but it only takes about five minutes if you’re in midtown Manhattan to see that New York has a real traffic problem,” Lieber said at a news conference. “I recognize that there has been a lot of controversy about this program and that many people are concerned about the impact of congestion pricing. To them, I want to say that the goal is to make the best city for everyone.”

Congestion pricing expected to generate billions in revenue to modernize that of New York transit infrastructure, but it has faced criticism from New Jersey officials and commuters who say it places an unfair burden on people coming from outside New York.

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Some commuters could face daily fees of up to $22, which would include existing tolls for Port authority crossings.

President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly said he plans to block the project after he takes office later this month.

Landon Mion of Fox News contributed to this report.