Back in 2021, NYC’s ‘Congestion Pricing Plan’ was introduced — which planned an additional toll for commuters headed into New York City’s business hub, south of 60th Street. After pushback from NJ officials and residents alike, including NJ Governor Phil Murphy attempting to block the new toll, the plan was indefinitely halted in June of 2024. Now, a revised plan has been announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, which is set to start in January 2025. Read on for the latest updates on NYC’s Congestion Pricing Plan.
The New Plan as of November 2024
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the new plans for the new NYC’s Congestion Pricing Plan at a press conference on Thursday, November 14th, per Patch New York City. The new congestion toll will be $9, and is set to take effect in January 2025. Governor Hochul claimed that the toll would be enough to raise $15 billion for the MTA.
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Included in the plan is an immediate increase to a number of outer-borough bus routes, as well as discounts after 9PM. Drivers who earn less than $50,000 per year will also receive a 50 percent discount on every toll after the 10th toll each month.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy released another statement following the announcement, saying he firmly opposes “any attempt to force through a congestion pricing proposal in the final months of the Biden Administration,” and that his administration will “continue the fight to block this plan in court.”
We will update this post as more details come out.
Background from June 2024
On June 5th, 2024, it was announced that New York Governor Kathy Hochul had directed the MTA to indefinitely pause the NYC Congestion Pricing Plan. Per The New York Times, the decision was made because the planned congestion pricing system “risks too many unintended consequences”. Governor Hochul only needed the approval of the authority’s board to halt the implementation of the plan. In particular, Governor Hochul noted the impact the fees would have on lower- and middle-class families.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy released a statement on the decision on June 5th:
“I want to thank Governor Hochul for pausing the implementation of congestion pricing in Manhattan’s Central Business District.
Although we have had a difference of opinion with our colleagues in New York on congestion pricing implementation, we have always had a shared vision for growing our regional economy, investing in infrastructure, protecting our environment, and creating good-paying jobs on both sides of the Hudson River. We fully embrace the notion that the success of Manhattan is inextricably linked to the prosperity of the entire Tri-State Area.
Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams have been strong, collaborative governing partners and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them for the benefit of all of our residents.
I’d also like to thank Congressman Josh Gottheimer for his strong partnership and advocacy over the years on this issue.”
About the Original Plan
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had planned an additional toll for commuters headed into New York City’s business hub, south of 60th Street. This “congestion pricing plan” aimed to discourage individuals from driving into the most crowded parts of Manhattan, thus curtailing a negative environmental impact and reducing traffic overall.
The additional toll would have cost anywhere from $9 to $35 simply to enter the “congestion zone.” The $1 billion a year collected from drivers would then be used to fund public transportation projects.
As far as the actual pricing, reports shared that:
- Cars would be charged an additional $15 to enter Manhattan at 60th Street and below.
- Trucks would be charged between $24 and $36, depending on size.
- Taxis were exempt from a major fare hike of $15 — though Uber and Lyft Surcharges would be $2.50, and yellow and black taxis would have an additional fee of $1.25 per ride.
- Motorcycles would be charged $7.50 to go into the city.
- These rates would only happen once per day; if you drive into the city, then out, then back in again — you’d only be charged once in 24 hours.
- The rates would be in effect from 5AM to 9PM on weekdays, and 9AM to 9PM on weekends.
- There were some planned exemptions, with the pricing — most included government and emergency vehicles, school busses with a contract with the NY Department of Education, city-owned vehicles, and vehicles carrying people with disabilities.
- The plan was set to take effect on June 30th, 2024, but was indefinitely halted shortly before that date.
The MTA board overwhelmingly voted to approve congestion pricing in December 2023, saying charging drivers to enter a swath of Manhattan would contribute millions of dollars to the aging transit system.
Officials on this side of the Hudson, including Governor Phil Murphy, were largely opposed to such a hike, noting that it would unfairly impact Garden State commuters. City dwellers who live in the outer boroughs have also voiced concerns that their communities would bear additional costs for an initiative that would bring cleaner air, reduced noise, and less gridlock to Manhattan. You can read more about the pushback in our previous article here.
Ironically, NJ Transit also raised fares by 15% this summer, and a 3% yearly increase will take effect in summer 2025.
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We will update this post as more details become available. For now, stay in the know on all of the local news by following @thehobokengirl on Instagram and TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter here.
And the Winner of the 2025 Hoboken Girl Puppy Photo Bowl Is…
It's always an incredibly tough decision with all of the cute pups out there, but our 5th annual HG Puppy Bowl Contest 2025 finally has a winner after a long weekend of voting. Scroll down for the big reveal...
MEATBALL!!!
Over the last week, the top 9 finalists were voted on, and the people and pups have spoken.
Meatball's owner shared with us:
“Meatball, the 1.5-year-old Corgi, is a connoisseur of fine treats with a penchant for charming his dads into extra helpings of Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Hearts and Pure Bites freeze-dried beef or salmon. This well-traveled pup has already explored Florida, Napa, CA, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, leaving a trail of admirers in his wake. A beloved “frequent flier” at Hoboken Bond Vet, Meatball is now setting his sights on a new challenge: winning Hoboken’s Puppy Bowl 2025.”
Here's what Meatball will get to enjoy with his winnings:
The Prizes
L+B Healthy Pet Markets | 155 4th Street, Hoboken
IG handle: @lbhealthypetmarkets
Giveaway + Gift Value: $100 gift card
Bond Vet | 1425 Washington Street, Hoboken
IG Handle: @bondvetclinic
Giveaway + Gift Value: Appointment credit for the Hoboken location ($100 value)
Cornerstone Pets | 105 9th Street, Hoboken
IG Handle: @cornerstonepets
Giveaway + Gift Value: Gift basket valued at $150
Hound About Town | 17 McWilliams Place + 218 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
IG Handle: @houndabouttown
Giveaway + Gift Value: $50 gift card, Dandylion Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser, Dandylion Lick Mat, and Muttluks Nosemagik Soothing Nose Balm ($100 value)
The Local Girl Media Group
IG Handle: @thelocalgirlhq
Giveaway Gift + Value: $50 gift card to New Jersey business of choice
Email [email protected] to claim your Puppy Bowl prizes.
The Other 2025 Finalists
Luna
Luna's owners shared with us:
"Luna Balloona is a 4 year old English Bulldog who currently resides in Exchange Place, Jersey City. She’s as stubborn as she is cute. Fetch? Ha! Walks? Good luck. She’s the boss of the house and everyone knows it. She’s steals toys from her sister, only to drop them seconds later and move on. Her favorite spot is the kitchen, where her lightning fast reflexes catch any stray food particles before they hit the floor. Be warned: this smoosh-floof seductress may look like she only wants to be loved and held close but these are lies! Luna’s cuddles are not to be trusted as they’re often accompanied by 'unexpected rough air'."
David
David's owners shared with us:
"David is 100% American bully with a beautiful brindle coat. He’s 7 years old and we rescued him in June on a whim at an event at the Ale House. He’s the sweetest boy in the world, his favorite store is cornerstone and his favorite treats are greenies!"
Joey
Joey's owners shared with us:
"Meet Joey, the three-legged pittie with a heart as big as her smile! After being hit by a car living on the streets of Philly, she was given a second chance at life, and now she’s all about living it to the fullest. Joey may be missing a leg, but that doesn’t slow her down one bit—she’s a goofy, 50lb lap dog with endless love to give. Her sweet nature, fun-loving antics, and those irresistible wiggles when she’s excited make her the absolute best."
Riley
Rileys owners shared with us:
"Meet Riley, a 3-year-old booty shaking bundle of joy from Hoboken! Riley was adopted from Maryland and has been living her best city girl life ever since. She’s got a serious love for treats, especially the Mackie's treats that her mom and dad get at the Hoboken Farmers Market (she can spot them from a mile away!). When she’s not enjoying a snack, you can find Riley at Church Square Dog Park, where she’s the queen of chasing pigeons and squirrels, or down the shore on her Grandma and Grandpa's boat. Her favorite local hangout is Hoboken Pet, but she also loves tagging along with mom and dad to Mojo Coffee Shop, where they always have dog treats ready for her. Fun facts: Riley is afraid of cats (even though she tries to act tough), she’s a pro napper while her mom works from home, and if you catch her in a good mood, she’ll wow you with the cutest butt wiggles you’ve ever seen!"
Cinnamon Puff
Cinnamon Puff's owners shared with us:
"Meet Cinnamon Puff! He’s a 10-week-old Yorkipoo who recently moved to Hoboken with his parents after being adopted from a friend whose dogs had puppies. Though he’s still settling into his new home, Cinnamon Puff is already loving exploring around Hoboken. We’ve been taking him for "walks" (aka carrying him in a bag) around town so he can take in all the sights and smells. He’s been loving the local pet stores and has already scored plenty of treats (shout out Cornerstone Pets and Bond Vet for the goody bag and treats). He’s soaking it all in and adjusting to his new life with endless curiosity. We are so thrilled to have him and can’t wait for the many adventures ahead with our little buddy!"
Zorba
Zorba's owners shared with us:
"Zorba is a 6.5 year old German shepherd whose first visit as a puppy after being adopted was to Stevens campus to visit his now Dad. He now lives a spoiled life in his favorite city with his parents (who are both Stevens Alumni) getting absolutely everything he wants. Zorba has osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia, so his favorite new activity is going for therapy at Sage Veterinary in Jersey City to do the under water treadmill - where he gets lots of treats. One of Zorba’s best buddies was the stray cat who lived near our building! She used to follow him around and sit on his tail. The cat (Cleo - now Yardie) was untrusting of humans but when Zorba was outside, she would trust him and come close. Zorba likes to say he was instrumental in getting her rescued and adopted. Zorba’s favorite treats are beef lung from Hoboken Pet."
Metro
Metro's owners shared with us:
"Metro is a 1 year old cockapoo and is just the happiest guy. Originally from NYC, he moved across the Hudson to Hoboken with his pawrents in late 2024 and is loving his new city! He loves going anywhere with his mom, whether it’s picking up more chicken treats at LB Healthy Pet Markets or grabbing a drink at The Ale House. You can find him cruising down Washington with his head out the window every weekend. He also loves creating content for his TikTok account, @metrothecockapoo!"
Winni
Winni's owners shared with us:
"I’m Winni, a 1 year old silver brindle pug! I live in Hoboken, NJ with my mom and all my friends aka anyone who will pet me or let me sit on their laps! I am OBSESSED with Cornerstone Pets and will refuse my treats at home so my mom will take me there for their superior treats! My grandma calls me the parkour pug because I run so fast and love to go under things (people’s legs and park benches) and jump up on high surfaces like it’s no problem! I love to go shopping with my mom, get pup cups and sit on random strangers laps at the dog park!"
Thanks again to all who entered and donated to Wise Animal Rescue and Ace of Hearts Rescue — and stay tuned for some potential additional pup features because we just love them all!
