NJ Gov. Murphy vows to fight congestion pricing plan: 'Blatant cash grab'
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PIX11) - Rosemary Rogers doesn't drive, but you'll still have a hard time finding someone more fired up about congestion pricing.
"It's almost as if … you're forcing it," said Rogers. "I don't believe that is the American way here."
Wednesday's stamp of approval by the MTA Board means that come mid-June, most cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street - including by way of the Holland Tunnel - will be tolled $15. The money raised would fund MTA projects like improvements to subways and buses.
"What Jersey should do is charge them a tax for coming into Jersey," said Rogers.
"It's too much for people who don't make anything at all," said Kyle Hargreaves of Jersey City.
Congestion pricing is facing several lawsuits on both sides of the Hudson River, including one filed by the State of New Jersey. After the MTA Board's vote, Gov. Phil Murphy released a statement, saying in part, "This is far from over and we will continue to fight this blatant cash grab."
Similar sentiments were each echoed by Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and Congressman Josh Gottheimer.
"You got all these groups that have said 'hold on, this going to be a disaster for us,' and the MTA clearly doesn't care. I think a judge will care," said Gottheimer.
Hearings are scheduled on the New Jersey lawsuit in federal court next week.