### Governor Hochul Unveils Revised Manhattan Congestion Pricing Plan

NEW YORK - Governor Kathy Hochul is set to present a revised iteration of the controversial Manhattan toll plan this Thursday, according to insiders privy to the announcement. The democrat is now expected to endorse a $9 surcharge for entering specific parts of Manhattan during peak hours, down from the originally proposed $15 toll that was slated to begin this summer.

The congestion pricing program was paused by Hochul back in June due to worries it might negatively impact Democratic candidates in crucial House races. However, now with the elections behind, Hochul is moving forward with an alternative plan. Revenue generated from these tolls is anticipated to support $15 billion in bonds for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), aimed at shoring up New York City’s aging mass transit infrastructure.

Hochul's decision to reinstate the tolls comes as she navigates the complex political landscape. A Siena College poll in July indicated broad voter approval for her initial pause on the toll plan. Hochul has maintained that a $15 toll would be too burdensome for working New Yorkers commuting to Manhattan's business districts. Her new $9 surcharge aims to strike a balance and circumvent another prolonged federal environmental review.

The decision has garnered support from influential business sectors in New York City and left-leaning transit activists—two significant groups for Hochul as she looks ahead to a potential reelection bid in 2026. Despite this, opposition remains strong, particularly from New York House Republicans, who have urged President-elect Donald Trump to revoke federal approval for the congestion plan.

The MTA’s board members are set to be briefed on the new proposal at a meeting this Thursday, anticipating a more detailed discussion at their formal board meeting next Wednesday. Hochul’s revised toll scheme will be publicized just a day before she is due to address legal challenges regarding her previous decision to pause the initiative, brought forth by environmental organizations, transit advocates, and city Comptroller Brad Lander.