TRENTON, N.J. – Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ, 5th District), a longtime critic of New York’s congestion pricing plan, is calling on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to apologize after she made remarks dismissing concerns from New Jersey commuters.
At a Wednesday press conference, Hochul defended New York’s controversial congestion pricing plan, saying,
“New Jersey residents, come, you are welcome. But you’re not forced to come here.”
The statement was in response to the Trump administration’s earlier decision to revoke federal approval of the congestion pricing plan, citing New Jersey’s objections as a major factor.
Gottheimer’s Response: Defending Jersey Commuters
Gottheimer, who is also running for New Jersey governor, issued a sharp response, saying Hochul’s remarks were a direct insult to the thousands of New Jersey commuters who travel to Manhattan daily for work.
“Governor Hochul owes an apology to hardworking Jersey commuters,” Gottheimer said in a statement. “Her comments are a slap in the face to the cops, firefighters, nurses, teachers, and countless other professionals who commute to New York every day.”
The congressman also criticized New York officials for continuing to push forward with the congestion pricing program, despite federal opposition under the Trump administration.
What Is Congestion Pricing?
The congestion pricing plan aims to reduce traffic in Manhattan’s Central Business District by charging vehicles a fee to enter specific high-traffic zones, primarily south of 60th Street. The revenue generated would fund improvements for New York’s public transit system.
However, the plan has faced strong opposition from both New Jersey and New York lawmakers due to concerns that:
- It disproportionately affects New Jersey commuters who already pay high tolls and taxes.
- It could place a heavier financial burden on essential workers who have no choice but to drive into Manhattan.
- The plan fails to account for the lack of viable public transit alternatives for many New Jersey residents.
Gottheimer’s Proposed Reimbursement for NJ Commuters
In his statement, Gottheimer suggested that if New York insists on moving forward with congestion pricing, the state should be prepared to “reimburse every Jersey commuter” for the tolls they pay.
“If New York is going to treat Jersey drivers like a piggy bank, then they should be prepared to pay back every toll dollar these commuters fork over just to get to work,” Gottheimer said.
He has consistently referred to the policy as a “Congestion Tax” and argued that it unfairly penalizes middle-class workers who rely on their cars to commute.
Political Fallout: Democrats and Republicans United in Opposition
Gottheimer’s opposition to congestion pricing has garnered bipartisan support from both New York and New Jersey lawmakers. Several Republicans and Democrats across both states have voiced similar concerns, citing:
- The potential economic burden on essential workers
- Increased costs for businesses relying on truck deliveries
- The unfair financial pressure on New Jersey residents who already contribute significant toll revenue
