Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a key figure behind the congestion pricing initiative, has expressed reservations about the plan's implementation timing, citing concerns about the safety and reliability of the New York City subway system. The new tolling system, which went into effect on Sunday, charges drivers $9 to enter Manhattan below Central Park or from Brooklyn and New Jersey.

While Cuomo maintains his support for congestion pricing as a concept, his spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, emphasized the importance of a safe and dependable subway system for the plan's success. Azzopardi pointed out that Cuomo's original vision, shared with then-Mayor Bill de Blasio, hinged on a thriving city center and a robust public transit system. He contrasted the current situation with the pre-pandemic environment of 2019, highlighting the public's decreased confidence in subway safety and the city's ongoing recovery.

Cuomo's concerns echo a March op-ed where he stressed the link between public trust in the MTA and the effectiveness of congestion pricing. He argued that incentivizing subway use becomes challenging when riders fear for their safety, citing recent incidents of violence on the subway. He also noted the irony that his father, former Governor Mario Cuomo, had prioritized increasing police presence on the subway to combat similar safety issues in the past.

Despite Cuomo's reservations, current Governor Kathy Hochul has proceeded with the implementation of congestion pricing. Hochul’s office stated that the reduced toll of $9 (down from the initial $15 proposal) will save drivers money annually and that commuters will benefit from enhanced subway services. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber echoed Hochul's sentiments, emphasizing the benefits of reduced traffic, cleaner air, and improved public transit. He also highlighted recent upgrades to the 7 and L subway lines.

However, Cuomo's team maintains that these transit improvements were initiated under his administration, criticizing Hochul and Lieber for seemingly taking credit for his work. They also pointed out that commuters now have the option to work remotely, a factor not present when congestion pricing was initially proposed in 2019. Cuomo has suggested that, given the current climate of high crime and homelessness, he would likely be hesitant to embrace the added cost of congestion pricing if he were a commuter today.

While several New York Republicans have joined Cuomo in calling for a reassessment of congestion pricing, the former governor, a potential 2025 mayoral candidate, still supports the concept in principle. Republicans, however, advocate for its complete elimination. The new tolling system adds to the existing costs faced by commuters from New Jersey and the outer boroughs, who must also pay tolls to cross the Hudson and East Rivers, respectively, although they receive a slight credit towards the congestion fee.