New York halts $15 Manhattan congestion pricing plan

New York’s plan to charge $15 for entering Manhattan below 60th Street was put on hold after Governor Kathy Hochul announced an “indefinite pause,” citing concerns about inflation and crime.

The plan aimed to ease traffic, reduce pollution, and generate $1 billion annually for the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).

However, several New Yorkers and New Jerseyans opposed the fee, fearful of the strain on their budgets and the level of safety public transit has.

Small business owners in areas like Chinatown were also worried about increased costs for deliveries, ranging from $24 to $36.

Critics celebrated the pause, while supporters warned it could harm the city’s transit improvements and economic success.