Diegnan Expresses Concern on Cuomo’s Proposed Congestion Pricing Plan

TRENTON – Responding to New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s annual address to the New York State Legislature, New Jersey Senate Transportation Committee Chairman, Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., expressed concern about the negative effects of the proposed congestion pricing plan on New Jersey residents.

“Congestion pricing may be a good solution for New York City, but it is a disastrous proposal for New Jersey commuters,” said Chairman Diegnan (D-Middlesex). While scant on details, news outlets report that the Governor’s proposal to charge vehicles is expected to mirror last year’s plan, levying $11.52 on cars.

“This proposal will have a burdensome effect on middle-class earners, who could be forced to pay thousands more a year just to get to work,” he added. “Our commuters don’t have much in the way of options. NJ Transit trains, PATH and the Port Authority Bus Terminal are already running at or above capacity.”

Senator Diegnan warned that if the congestion pricing plan is implemented, there would be an even more urgent need to increase trans-Hudson commuter capacity: “New Jersey legislative leaders have worked hard to prioritize bi-state transportation projects, such as enlarging the Port Authority Bus Terminal and lengthening platforms at PATH stations in Newark and Jersey City. If commuters are forced from their cars as a result of congestion pricing, New Jersey needs immediate solutions to add capacity and alleviate overcrowding. The Legislature remains committed to these projects, which will greatly benefit both states.”

Voicing optimism that funding for the Portal Bridge and Gateway Tunnel projects would be forthcoming, the Chairman said, “I encourage Governor Cuomo to work with Governor Murphy and the new Congress in Washington to secure dedicated funding to fix our crumbling infrastructure.”

Senator Diegnan also reiterated calls for NJ Transit to restore full train service on the Raritan Valley and Atlantic City Lines as soon as possible.