Congestion Pricing Advocate Gears Up for White House Run

Title: Janno Lieber Defends New York’s Congestion Pricing Amid Political Uncertainty

Janno Lieber, the chair of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (M.T.A.), has emerged as the staunch defender of the congestion pricing initiative, a toll program aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Manhattan while generating much-needed revenue for the region’s aging transit infrastructure. Despite navigating a complex political landscape that includes legislative pushback, legal challenges from opponents, and recent attempts by former President Donald Trump to jeopardize the program, Lieber remains resolute in his commitment to its success.

Congestion pricing has faced significant hurdles since its inception. Lawmakers have sought to limit the program’s reach, while various lawsuits from truckers, residents, and influential New Jersey stakeholders have threatened its viability. A last-minute suspension by Governor Kathy Hochul in June 2023 further complicated the initiative, delaying its implementation until after the presidential election. Despite these setbacks, the program officially commenced on January 5, 2024.

Recently, Trump publicly declared on social media that he had effectively halted the congestion pricing initiative, rallying his supporters with the phrase "LONG LIVE THE KING." This assertion prompted a swift response from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which indicated an intention to revoke the federal agreement underpinning the toll. In turn, the M.T.A. immediately challenged the government’s decision in federal court, pledging to maintain the tolls as legal proceedings unfold.

For Lieber, who has tirelessly championed congestion pricing, the current path is fraught with obstacles, not the least of which is dealing with a former New Yorker now serving in the Oval Office. As the M.T.A. seeks additional federal support to cover its expansive $68 billion capital needs budget, which includes projects beyond those financed by congestion pricing, defeating this challenge is paramount.

During a recent press conference, Lieber was candid about the situation, stating, “No, we have no contingency plan,” when asked about alternatives to congestion pricing. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in the M.T.A.’s legal grounds to uphold the toll system.

The stakes are particularly high, as the loss of the projected $15 billion in revenue from congestion pricing could have catastrophic repercussions for public transit in New York. Essential repairs to the subway, long overdue upgrades to aging infrastructure, and initiatives aimed at improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities and families using strollers are all at risk. Such setbacks could threaten over 100,000 jobs associated with these projects.

At 63, Lieber’s experience as a former real estate executive and lead on the World Trade Center’s rebuilding has equipped him to navigate these tumultuous waters. Colleagues describe him as a dedicated public servant and a political strategist, someone committed to fixing New York’s transit system. His supporters view him as the last hope to secure necessary repairs before a wave of deferred maintenance issues escalates across the public transit network.

“Lieber has to demonstrate to New Yorkers that this effort was not in vain,” said Eric Goldwyn, director of the transportation and land use program at NYU’s Marron Institute. “Any misstep could provide ammunition for the program’s detractors.”

Lieber’s tenure has not been without its challenges, especially during the sudden pause by Hochul in June 2023, which left many in the transportation community questioning his future as M.T.A. chair. However, Lieber dismissed the idea of resignation, stating, “It’s so not my shtick.” He characterized his professional relationship with Hochul as “very professional,” even as Mayor Eric Adams distanced himself from the congestion pricing discussion by framing it as a state decision.

Those within his circle describe Lieber as uniquely optimistic for someone in a bureaucratic role. After joining the M.T.A. in 2017, he successfully navigated the fallout from a governor’s resignation amidst scandal, eventually taking the helm in 2022. His capacity to maintain a calm demeanor amid chaos has been praised by those who have worked with him.

On the back of the program’s launch, initial reports indicate that congestion pricing is already delivering results. In early February 2024, weekday traffic in the toll zone decreased by 9 percent compared to the previous year, leading to a significant reduction in crossing times for drivers navigating Manhattan. Interestingly, as fears regarding visitor foot traffic abated, data indicated an uptick in pedestrian movement, reflecting a more vibrant business environment in the area.

Despite these positive signs, Lieber faces ongoing efforts to undermine congestion pricing from political quarters. Marc Molinaro, a noted critic of both the M.T.A. and congestion pricing, is slated to lead the Federal Transit Administration—a key agency in mass transit funding—which could potentially complicate fiscal matters for New York.

Notably, Lieber maintains that Trump may lack the authority to dismantle the toll unilaterally, but he acknowledges the possibility of exerting influence through various channels. As he forges ahead, a critical aspect of Lieber’s mission will be demonstrating that the M.T.A. can effectively manage the revenue generated from congestion pricing, especially in light of accusations regarding financial mismanagement.

Lieber remains steadfast in his belief that, even if unable to convince Trump of the initiative’s value, he can navigate through legislative and bureaucratic challenges to safeguard the toll and the fiscal stability it represents for New York’s transit future. As he optimistically put it, “This is not the first time a president has said ‘drop dead’ to New York.”