Green Jersey

Corzine pledges to fight congestion pricing

Gov. Corzine, disappointed with the $1 billion payment from the Port Authority to the Metropolitan Transit Authority included within New York’s congestion pricing plan, has pledged to fight the plan, the Star-Ledger is reporting.

The $1 billion payment would exempt New Jersey drivers from paying an additional fee to enter Manhattan below 60th Street at peak times. The plan still needs the approval of the New York State Legislature. From the Ledger:

If the New York plan proceeds and the Port Authority refuses to fund the MTA projects, New Jersey drivers would pay an additional $3 at peak hours and $4 at non-peak weekday hours to enter the city — in addition to the current $6-$8 toll for E-ZPass users, according to officials familiar with the plan.

Many New Jerseyans already pay twice, on mass transit — once for a PATH train and again for a New York train or bus, for example. An additional fee for drivers might encourage those who can to take the trains.

Gov. Corzine said he was prepared to pursue legal action if the plan does not treat “all drivers fairly.”