Governor Kathy Hochul is under fire for her recent announcement on Manhattan’s new congestion toll, with critics accusing her of misleading the public about the toll’s impact on commuters. While Hochul claimed a 40% reduction from the initially proposed $15 toll, she overlooked a key fact — the toll will represent a 100% increase from the current toll, which is $0.
In a press conference, Hochul explained that the new $9 toll would reduce the originally proposed $15 toll by 40%, claiming that this decrease would benefit daily commuters and families struggling with the high cost of living. “This lower toll will save daily commuters nearly $1,500 annually,” she said, positioning the plan as a win for New Yorkers dealing with rising inflation.
Hochul: I'm saving you 40% since the toll will be $9, not $15. (Current toll: $0)pic.twitter.com/S4v0QW9sug
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 17, 2024
However, critics quickly pointed out that the current toll is zero, meaning the $9 toll represents a significant increase for those who previously paid nothing. Rather than a “savings,” the new toll would actually burden commuters with a yearly fee of over $2,000. Commentators have expressed outrage, with Fox News’ Brit Hume remarking that “Hochul must think NY voters are really dumb” for trying to sell a major fee hike as a reduction.
Additionally, some have compared Hochul’s plan to a hostage situation, where she first proposed a higher toll and then presented a lower one as if it were a concession. The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh humorously quipped, “I was going to rob you and then kill you but I’ve decided to only rob you, which means I have saved your life.” Others, like RedState’s Bonchie, labeled it as extortion, with the toll’s reduction simply “less than originally planned.”
Gov. Hochul says daily commuters will save nearly $1500 annually because the congestion toll into Manhattan will be $9 instead of $15.
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 17, 2024
The Governor’s office argues that the new toll is necessary to reduce traffic congestion and fund New York City’s mass transit system. But for many, the plan is viewed as a heavy-handed approach that fails to recognize the financial strain placed on everyday New Yorkers.
Kathy Hochul thinks we’re stupid.
She thinks taxing us 9$ for driving, instead of $15, means she’s saving us money.
No toll to a $9 toll is an increase, Kathy. Not a decrease. pic.twitter.com/uw1t4aLJHi
— Anthony P. D'Esposito (@ANTHONYDESPO) November 15, 2024
With tolls set to begin in January 2025, the true impact of this plan will become clear in the months to come. For now, many are questioning Hochul’s motives and whether this toll hike will become a defining issue for her administration in the near future.
