Trumps unwavering plan to end congestion pricing: Letters to the Editor Feb. 26, 2025
The Issue: President Trump’s plan to kill congestion pricing in New York, despite pleas from Gov.Hochul.President Trump’s welcome cancellation of the congestion-pricing money grab should only be Step 1 (“Trump: Kat’s wrong; I will kill congest toll,” Feb.
23).Next, he should withhold all federal funding for the bloated MTA until the agency finally collects 100% of fares from transit riders.Losing millions annually to freeloaders is inexcusable.Giving any taxpayer dollars to an agency that is failing to collect money owed for each ride is outrageous.It’s time to put an end to rampant fare evasion and finally assure that all riders are paying their fare share.Richard RafalManhattanI work in the congestion-pricing zone.
I don’t know where Gov.Hochul is getting her information from, but traffic in certain areas of the zone is much worse than before.
This includes streets in the area of bridges and tunnels, most streets going crosstown and all avenues.They are lying to the public to convince people that this “money grab” is good.It isn’t, and most people see this.Joe KowalczykThe BronxSitting in traffic for hours shouldn’t be the norm, and our transit system deserves stable funding.I recognize that the toll has drawbacks for low-income drivers who rely on cars for work, and the state must address these concerns.
But if Hochul backs down under federal pressure, we risk worsening congestion.This is about investing in our future, not political games.Mary BisgroveManhattanNew York contributed $600 million for a new football stadium in Hochul’s hometown but isn’t willing to fund needed upgrades to the city’s neglected subway system.Instead, state leaders pushed a regressive congestion tax that collects the same amount from millionaires as it does the working poor.Mass transportation is an essential service; football is just entertainment.
Congestion pricing is the most unfair way of funding.Kudos to Trump for pulling the plug.André Montero...