Almost half approve of congestion pricing pause as Hochul’s approval slips: Survey 

Nearly half of New York voters approved of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) decision to pause the state’s congestion pricing plan, according to a new survey.

The new Siena College poll found that 45 percent of registered voters in New York support Hochul delaying the congestion pricing system that would have charged drivers a pricey toll to enter Manhattan. Twenty-three percent said they don’t support the delay, and 16 percent were undecided.

Hochul announced earlier this month she directed the Metropolitan Transit Authority to “indefinitely pause the program.” She said the plan “risks too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers at this time” and did not provide a new timeline as to when New York may implement the plan.

Officials from New Jersey railed against the plan to charge drivers heading into Manhattan. Under the system, those entering Manhattan below 60th Street with passenger vehicles would have been charged at least $15 on top of already existing tolls.

Hochul’s approval rating in the state also slipped in June, with 38 percent approving of her job and 49 percent disapproving. This is slightly down from the 38 percent who approved and the 46 percent who disapproved in May.

Most voters also supported the New York Legislature’s approval of a social media bill that would bar social media platforms from using “addictive” algorithms on kids.

“Despite strongly supporting Hochul’s decision to put congestion pricing on hold, and even more strongly supporting the social media bill she championed, voters now give Hochul the lowest favorability and job approval ratings she’s had in nearly three years as Governor,” Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said in a statement.

The poll was conducted June 12-17 among 805 registered New York voters. It has a margin of error of 4.1 percentage points.