New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez introduces federal legislation against congestion pricing
FORT LEE, N.J. -- Sen. Robert Menendez is joining a slew of other New Jersey officials trying to stop New York's congestion pricing plan from going into effect.
The senator said Monday he's introducing new legislation that will make New York think twice.
New Jersey officials say New York's congestion pricing plan could slap drivers in the Garden State with an extra $23, in addition to the tolls they already pay at bridges and tunnels.
Drivers say it's the wrong time.
"It's just too much because the prices continuously increase," Camilo Reyes said. "Yo go to New York now is like $50, between the parking and the tolls."
Standing with business and transportation leaders at the George Washington Bridge on Monday, Menendez said his new legislation would slam the brakes on congestion pricing by threatening to take away federal transportation dollars from New York, including money that goes to MTA transit programs.
"If congestion pricing is given final approval and New York moves ahead with implementing its misguided plan, my bill would impose highway sanctions against the state of New York," Menendez said.
Sources say Gov. Phil Murphy is also taking aim at New York by starting a digital billboard ad campaign asking New Yorkers to bring their business to New Jersey.
New Jersey Assistant Transportation Commissioner Justin Braz wants more.
"We will also appeal to Gov. Hochul to add New Jersey representation to the Traffic Mobility Review Board, the body that will make the final decision on the overall congestion pricing plan," Braz said.
READ MORE: New Jersey lawmakers warn MTA's plan for congestion pricing will put burden on their districts
The MTA released a statement, saying, "New York's congestion pricing program has been developed in full compliance with the federal government's own value pricing pilot program and every applicable federal rule and regulation. The idea of penalizing the MTA for taking steps invited and approved by the federal government is slightly absurd."
"I mean, it's two sides. I can understand they want to minimize the amount of traffic. There's a lot of traffic problems in the city," commuter Tyrone Salika said.
However, Salika also said New York shouldn't make money off the backs of hardworking commuters like him who believe public transportation isn't always reliable.
"Not just NJ TRANSIT. You can go into the MTA and MTA has problems, as well. I really would like to keep my destiny into my own hands," Salika said.
"I don't think this is really a solution. I think there might be other ways to do it. Unfortunately, the other ways might be to raise bridge tolls even further," a New York resident named Michelle added.
Menendez said it's not a one-way street and that he would consider a introducing a proposal that would penalize New Yorkers from coming into New Jersey.
The senator said in addition to legislation, he'll also send a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg describing the adverse effects congestion pricing will have on New Jersey.