New Jersey Assembly Bill AR170

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/12/24
• Refer: 12/12/24

Caption

Opposes New York's congestion pricing plan.

Impact

The resolution asserts that New Jersey residents will be disproportionately affected by the congestion pricing plan, as they were not consulted in the decision-making process. Furthermore, the tolling scheme is presented as undermining over a century of cooperative transportation and infrastructure management between New York and New Jersey. The resolution stresses the importance of collaboration in addressing regional transportation issues and fears that unilaterally implemented measures by New York will strain economic ties and cooperation.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 170 is a legislative response from New Jersey expressing opposition to New York's congestion pricing plan, which aims to implement tolls on vehicles entering Manhattan's central business district. The resolution highlights concerns regarding the toll structure that will charge most drivers starting at $9 in 2025, increasing to $12 in 2028, and $15 in 2031. This pricing strategy is seen as a significant financial burden for New Jersey residents who travel into New York City for work or personal reasons, especially as it comes with no proposed benefits for New Jersey's own transit systems.

Contention

Notably, participants in the legislative discussions indicated that this opposition is rooted in a broader concern of jurisdictional overreach by New York. Public officials and business leaders in New Jersey are particularly vocal about the lack of input in a plan that fundamentally impacts their constituents' travel behaviors and economic circumstances. The resolution aims to formally register New Jersey's dissent while calling for greater cooperation in future discussions on regional transportation policies.