In a scathing review of the state's plan to impose a $15 "congestion" toll on entering the Midtown business district, the Broadway Association, representing the Broadway Theater District and Times Square, expressed concern about the impact on New York City's tourist mecca. Cristyne Nicholas, the chairwoman of the Broadway Association, highlighted the potential hindrance to the growth of Broadway and expressed doubts about the effectiveness of congestion pricing in boosting the industry.

During an interview on 77 WABC Radio's The Cats Roundtable, Nicholas emphasized the importance of the "bridge and tunnel people" in sustaining Broadway's audiences, stating that they make up approximately 30 percent of theatergoers. However, she noted that this segment has been the slowest to return since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nicholas argued that the city has not fully recovered economically, attributing this to remote work trends and concerns about crime. These factors, coupled with the proposed congestion toll, are making potential tourists from the New York suburbs and New Jersey hesitant to visit Manhattan.

"The economy is shaky. There's got to be a different way of doing this," Nicholas said, suggesting that tolling all bridges at a lower but uniform rate would discourage toll avoidance and prevent traffic diversion to other areas of the city. As of now, some of the East River crossings are toll-free.

Under the congestion pricing plan, passenger car drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak hours would be charged $15.50 and $3.75 during off-peak hours. Small trucks would face a toll of $24, while large trucks would be charged $36 during peak times and discounted to $6 and $9, respectively, during off-peak times.

John Catsimatidis, host of The Cats Roundtable and owner of Gristedes grocery stores, raised concerns about the impact of high tolls on trucks, warning that customers would ultimately bear the brunt through increased food prices.

The congestion pricing law was approved in 2019 by former Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Democratic-led state Senate and Assembly. The Traffic Mobility Review Board, set up as a result of the law, recently recommended a $15 peak-hour toll hike. Governor Kathy Hochul has shown support for the plan, attending a pro-congestion pricing rally, while Mayor Eric Adams is seeking exemptions from the toll for essential drivers, such as those going for medical appointments.

Despite the political support from Democrats, some opposition has emerged. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, along with several New Jersey and Upstate Democrats, have voiced their opposition to the implementation of congestion pricing. On the other hand, Republicans in New York plan to leverage the issue as a political tool against their Democratic opponents in the upcoming 2024 elections.

As the debate on congestion pricing continues, stakeholders from the Broadway Association and various political factions are at odds over the potential impact of the proposed $15 congestion toll on Midtown's businesses and New York City's status as a top tourist destination.