List: MTA projects that could be affected by congestion pricing delay

NEW YORK (PIX11) – The start of congestion pricing in Manhattan, which was set to go into effect on June 30, has now been delayed indefinitely, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.

“Implementing the planned congestion pricing system risks too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers at this time,” Hochul said. “Let’s be real: a $15 charge may not mean a lot to someone who has the means, but it can break the budget of a working- or middle-class household.”

Under the congestion pricing plan, cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street would be charged a $15 toll during peak hours. Trucks and buses would be charged between $24 to $36, depending on their size.

Toll revenue generated from congestion pricing was expected to fund $15 billion in capital improvements for the MTA. That included $12 billion in funding for the subway and bus system and $1.5 billion each for the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North Railroad, according to the MTA.

Andrew Albert, an MTA board member, said he didn't see the congestion pricing decision coming.

"I was really shocked to hear this news today," Albert said. "We've been counting on congestion pricing to do so many things."

Albert said it is his understanding that projects that were already underway, such as elevator and ramp additions, would continue.

"You can't leave an elevator half done. I think some of the station accessibility projects that have begun and they have a contractor for already ... those should continue," Albert said.

Hochul said there is funding set aside to backstop the MTA's improvement plan, and she is exploring other funding sources.

"We remain fully committed to advancing all the improvements that New Yorkers have been promised," Hochul said.

The MTA planned to use congestion pricing revenue to help fund the following projects.

Accessibility improvements

• Increase accessibility throughout the transit system by adding more ramps and elevators in dozens of stations

New electric buses

• Add more than 250 new battery electric buses and charging infrastructure in each of the five boroughs

Elevators and escalator replacements 

• Replace elevators and escalators at more than 20 subway stations

Infrastructure improvements

• Upgrade tracks, bridges and public address systems at subway stations, among other infrastructure improvements

Upgrading power facilities 

• Improve conditions in the MTA's network of substations and other facilities that power trains and lighting throughout the transit system

New railcars and buses

• Add new railcars and buses 

Second Avenue Subway, Phase 2

• Use congestion pricing revenue to advance the Second Avenue Subway, Phase 2 project, which would create three new subway stations in East Harlem at 106th Street, 116th Street, and 125th Street

Signal modernization

• Update signals to improve service reliability, reduce delays and increase service in the future if needed

Make improvements to stations

• Replace station platforms and waiting areas, as well as repair station infrastructure