Exclusive | MTA could hike NYC congestion toll by 25% on gridlock alert days in surge pricing-style tax squeeze

The new $9 toll to drive into Midtown Manhattan could soar another 25% — to $11.25 — on “gridlock alert days’’ starting next year, The Post has learned.The MTA’s right to jack up the already hotly controversial commuter tax was listed in a footnote in the revised congestion pricing plan filed with the state’s rule-making publication, the New York State Register.“If whacking hardworking Jersey and New York families with a new, $9 a day Congestion Tax wasn’t enough, the MTA is now pouring extra salt on the wound with a 25 percent extra Uber-style surge pricing tax on so-called ‘Gridlock Alert Days’ — whenever they want,” seethed Dem Rep.Josh Gottheimer, who represents northern New Jersey communities that border the George Washington Bridge into Manhattan.“It’s a huge insult to our families trying to make ends meet,’’ said Gottheimer, who is running to become Garden State governor next year.“New York and the MTA clearly don’t care about making life more affordable for hardworking folks in Jersey or even their own city.”The city Department of Transportation identified 20 days this year as “gridlock alerts” — when traffic is at its worst.There will be a total of 11 such days in December, while there were four in November and five in September, when the United Nations General Assembly is in session.Gov.

Kathy Hochul had originally tabled a $15 proposed basic toll, then infamously waited after the election to push a $9 commuter tax, which could now be even higher on gridlock days.“The Authority reserves the right to charge a 25% higher CBD [Central Business District] charge during gridlock alert days,” according to the MTA’s Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.This year, gridlock alerts were announced for Dec.3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18 and 19; Nov.

20, 21, 22 and 26; and Sept.23, 24, 25, 26 and 27.“On Gridlock Alert days, consider walking, biking and taking mass transit for any trips in Manhattan,...