Apr 2, 2008 7:00 pm US/Eastern
War! N.J., N.Y. To Battle Over $11 Congestion Fee
Gov. Corzine: 'I Am Prepared To Pursue Legal Action To Protect New Jersey Commuters'
Calls Bloomberg's Plan An 'Outrageous Action'
HOBOKEN (CBS) ―
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Gov. Jon Corzine said on April 2 that Mayor Michael Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan is completely unfair to New Jersey commuters.
CBS
Mayor Michael Bloomberg's congestion pricing proposal is having a ripple effect across the Hudson.
Now, the governor of New Jersey is threatening to take the matter to court.
New Jersey drivers could be paying as much as $11 to go into Manhattan under Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan, which now has the endorsement of the New York City Council.
"It's gone up from $6 to $8 and now it's going to go to $11," commuter Pete Waldron said. "I mean how much more are they going to do?"
Bloomberg's congestion pricing proposal, which would affect the Lincoln and Holland tunnels, as well as the George Washington Bridge, still needs the approval of lawmakers in Albany.
But Gov. Jon Corzine, who says New York officials have said the only way to avoid the toll is to have the Port Authority give them $1 billion for transportation projects, is threatening a lawsuit.
"Unless this plan treats all drivers fairly, I am prepared to pursue legal action to protect New Jersey commuters from this outrageous action," Corzine said.
Late Wednesday afternoon, a spokesman for Bloomberg responded:
"We don't understand why it's OK for the New Jersey governor to hike tolls on New York cars on the Turnpike and (Garden State) Parkway to balance his state's budget, but New York can't raise revenue dedicated expressly for mass transit improvements for commuters across the region. That seems to be a double standard, and we're certain that our plan is not only fair and equitable, but also that it will withstand any legal challenges he brings."
Drivers now pay $8 during peak hours. Under the congestion pricing plan they would fork over an extra $3. During non-peak hours, commuters paying $6 would be hit with $10 charge.
"I pay $300 out of my pocket already just for gas. Now it's another toll," commuter Terrence Benjamin said.
The Port Authority has released a statement saying it has funds in its capital plan for regional transportation projects for both states but the decision on how to spend those resources will be made by the board of commissioners.
Legal experts say Corzine may also be able to argue that congestion pricing violates interstate commerce laws.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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