Congestion Pricing: Crushing commuter tax, set to go into effect on January 5, 2025

Starting Sunday, January 5, 2025, congestion pricing, a $9 tax to enter lower Manhattan south of 60th Street, will take effect, burdening Hudson Valley residents with higher costs when commuting, traveling or conducting business and creating even more financial strain in a region already struggling with affordability. Congestion pricing is another consequence of misguided state leadership and policies pushing yet another tax onto hardworking families. Ahead of the first day of congestion pricing, New York State Senator Rob Rolison (District 39) issued the following statement:

“From the start, congestion pricing has been legislation that punishes more than it helps. It is not a long-term solution for the MTA’s ongoing budgetary struggles and will only burden hard working commuters, especially those from the Hudson Valley and Orange County, specifically where there are no continuous single-seat train ride options into New York City for work, essential medical care and more. Congestion pricing is a blatant attempt to improve the MTA’s finances on the backs of Hudson Valley residents without restoring or expanding service.”

Senator Rolison has been a strong advocate against congestion pricing since becoming a Senator in 2023, signing onto a federal lawsuit in an attempt to block the tax and calling for a toll exemption or crossing credit for Hudson Valley drivers. Most recently, in November of 2024, Senator Rolison and Senate Republicans hosted a press conference, speaking out against Governor Hochul’s decision to pause, then resume the tax following the election and, once again, advocate for the Legislature to repeal the tax altogether.