The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is deeply disappointed by the implementation of congestion pricing in Manhattan, which went into effect yesterday.
This policy is a direct blow to New Jersey’s commuters and visitors who depend on access to New York City for work, business, and leisure. It unfairly penalizes New Jersey residents, adding a new financial burden to already high transportation costs.
Beyond its immediate environmental and economic impacts, congestion pricing is demeaning and disrespectful to New Jersey. There is no logic whatsoever for our citizens to pay for the economic woes of New York’s MTA. This is simply a money grab that challenges our need to be more affordable and competitive.
The State Chamber has been working diligently to cheerlead our state’s many positive attributes to improve our image. Being treated like a pocketbook and second-class citizen by New York flies directly in the face of our image-building mission. I hope our governor, Congressional delegation and Legislature can find a way to stop this egregious action.
—Tom Bracken, President & CEO