Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from Bergen County, New Jersey, traveled to lower Manhattan on Wednesday to hold a press conference outside MTA headquarters to voice his opposition to the agency’s congestion pricing plan. Gottheimer repeated his demands for transparency and accountability, insisting that the MTA release the data and analysis behind its decision to set a $15 base toll for motorists entering Midtown and lower Manhattan during peak hours. The congressman further alleged that the toll would generate revenue well in excess of the MTA’s stated goal of $1 billion per year, potentially leading to an unfair burden on New Jersey residents. Gottheimer’s office claims that the MTA will reap more than $3.4 billion annually from the congestion tolls, a figure that the MTA has dismissed as preposterous. MTA External Relations Chief John McCarthy has stated that congestion pricing is projected to deliver just under $1 billion per year for investments in mass transit infrastructure, taking into account discounts, exemptions, and time restrictions. Gottheimer slammed the agency for failing to respond to a freedom-of-information request seeking the data behind the tolling calculation. He expressed frustration that his emails and requests under the Freedom of Information Law had gone unanswered. Gottheimer attempted to meet with MTA Chairman Janno Lieber directly to discuss the toll but was told that Lieber was not in the building. Gottheimer left a note for Lieber and departed. Transit officials dismissed Gottheimer’s appearance as a stunt, with LIRR President Rob Free criticizing the congressman for not using public transportation to cross the river. Gottheimer, who arrived late to the press conference, was driven to and from MTA HQ in an electric Ford Mustang Mach-E with New Jersey plates, explaining that he could not find a bus to take.
Gottheimer Demands ‘Math’ Behind MTA Congestion Pricing Plan
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