### Hochul Revives $9 Manhattan Toll Plan Despite Opposition

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has revived a contentious plan to implement a $9 toll for drivers entering parts of Manhattan during peak hours. The congestion pricing initiative, designed to alleviate traffic and generate funds for the city's ailing transit infrastructure, could have significant political implications.

Announced during a Thursday news conference at her Manhattan office, Hochul declared the move as an end to years of disinvestment in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The Democratic governor's plan, which was paused in June to protect fellow party members in competitive House races, now aims to generate $15 billion in bonds for crucial upgrades to the region’s bus and subway systems.

However, the plan has already drawn criticism from notable figures including President-elect Donald Trump. In a statement from his transition team, Trump condemned the tolls, arguing they would place an undue financial burden on working people and make it difficult for New York City to recover. He also hinted at a potential rollback of federal approval for the measure once he takes office.

The restructuring of the plan includes tolling drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. This initiative is expected to not only curb traffic but also improve urban air quality. Furthermore, it promises to create thousands of jobs through planned transit system upgrades, such as the installation of elevators at subway stations.

Despite Hochul’s recent electoral success, which saw her party perform better than expected in New York, the toll plan faces bipartisan opposition. Republicans hope to leverage Trump’s stance to rescind federal approval, while some Democrats worry the plan indicates a disconnect with voters' financial concerns. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy criticized the proposal, citing economic strains and inflation as reasons why it is ill-timed.

Hochul defended the reduced toll, pointing out that it offers savings compared to the previously proposed $15 charge. She emphasized that the change follows the law and expressed optimism that commuters will appreciate the lower cost. Mass transit advocates support the plan for its potential to reduce traffic and improve air quality, but suburban Democrats and some New York City commuters remain opposed.

Adding to the complexity, a still-pending lawsuit filed by Murphy seeks to block the tolls. A federal judge has yet to rule on the case, which could undermine the entire plan if it necessitates a redo of the federal environmental review, especially with Trump poised to influence future developments.

As the debate continues, prominent city-based business organizations have shown renewed support for the congestion pricing initiative. They had been disappointed by the initial pause but now stand behind the governor’s move, viewing it as a strategic and timely decision to advance necessary transit improvements.