Congestion pricing is full steam ahead despite legal challenges

UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) – The MTA says it is full steam ahead for congestion pricing set to roll out this Sunday. 

The announcement follows a decision from a federal judge in New Jersey who says the agency has taken all the necessary steps to implement the toll. However, an attorney representing New Jersey in its legal challenge says not so fast.

Opponents, including New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer, say that legally this toll remains locked in limbo. The MTA chairman on the other hand insists that the New Jersey federal judge's decision does not interfere with the debut of congestion pricing.

That judge found that New York checked off a number of requirements to start tolling, but also called for the MTA and the federal government to hand over more information by Jan. 17. That request includes more details about potential environmental impacts to New Jersey and the Bronx and how to reduce them.

The attorney for New Jersey says that the judge’s request means that tolling can't start this Sunday. 

The New Jersey suit alleges congestion pricing will trigger major environmental and traffic issues. The MTA says more than 100 million dollars would go to high-impact areas in New Jersey but the judge has asked for more specifics about where exactly that money would go. 

So far, congestion pricing has survived an indefinite pause and several legal challenges and is on track to go live. 

The new year will start for many coming into the city with a $9 toll during peak hours to travel south of Manhattan's 60th Street.