Exclusive | MTA could hike NYC congestion toll by 25% on ‘gridlock alert’ days in ‘surge pricing’-style tax squeeze

The new $9 toll to drive into Midtown Manhattan could soar another 25% — to $11.25 — on “gridlock alert days’’ starting next year, The Post has learned.

The MTA’s right to jack up the already hotly controversial commuter tax was listed in a footnote in the revised congestion pricing plan filed with the state’s rule-making publication, the New York State Register.

“If whacking hardworking Jersey and New York families with a new, $9 a day Congestion Tax wasn’t enough, the MTA is now pouring extra salt on the wound with a 25 percent extra Uber-style surge pricing tax on so-called ‘Gridlock Alert Days’ — whenever they want,” seethed Dem Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who represents northern New Jersey communities that border the George Washington Bridge into Manhattan.

Manhattan’s new congestion toll is about to slam drivers come Jan. 5. John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

“It’s a huge insult to our families trying to make ends meet,’’ said Gottheimer, who is running to become Garden State governor next year.

“New York and the MTA clearly don’t care about making life more affordable for hardworking folks in Jersey or even their own city.”

The city Department of Transportation identified 20 days this year as “gridlock alerts” — when traffic is at its worst.

There will be a total of 11 such days in December, while there were four in November and five in September, when the United Nations General Assembly is in session.

Gov. Kathy Hochul had originally tabled a $15 proposed basic toll, then infamously waited after the election to push a $9 commuter tax, which could now be even higher on gridlock days.

New Jersey officials are up in arms over the new toll, which they say will especially wallop their Big Apple commuters. Michael Nagle

“The Authority reserves the right to charge a 25% higher CBD [Central Business District] charge during gridlock alert days,” according to the MTA’s Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.

This year, gridlock alerts were announced for Dec. 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18 and 19; Nov. 20, 21, 22 and 26; and Sept. 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27.

“On Gridlock Alert days, consider walking, biking and taking mass transit for any trips in Manhattan,” the transit agency’s notice says.

Opponents of the first-in-the-nation congestion toll said the 25% gridlock alert toll surcharge is just another money grab by the MTA.

“It’s news to me. But I can’t say I’m surprised,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, who is a co-plaintiff with the United Federation of Teachers in a  federal lawsuit aimed at blocking the congestion toll.

“This is clearly part of the MTA’s playbook. It’s ‘how much money we can grab.’ It’s about maximizing revenue. It’s alway raising the toll and never about reducing the toll.”

Fossella claimed the new Midtown toll imposed below 60th Street will reroute motorists seeking to avoid it to travel through Staten Island, increasing traffic and spewing more pollution in his borough.

Gov. Kathy Hochul postponed the toll till after the November elections, then infamously resurrected it. ZUMAPRESS.com

An MTA rep emphasized that it’s the city DOT that decides gridlock alert days and that a 25% higher toll is an option for the MTA, not automatic.

An MTA source said an increase in the toll for gridlock is unlikely next year — and may be unnecessary. Transit officials estimate that peak-hour traffic could drop by 15% with the new toll.

Transit sources also noted that a higher toll was always envisioned for gridlock days.

Hochul, who is eying re-election run for governor in 2026 and is struggling with low public approval ratings, also holds great sway over the MTA and could oppose any higher toll on gridlock-alert days.

A majority of New Yorkers oppose even the $9 new tax.     

The congestion-pricing toll takes effect Jan. 5 and is scheduled to jump to $12 for most vehicles in 2028 and $15 in 2031.

The MTA will use the anticipated revenue from the toll to fund $15 billion of its 2020-2024 capital plan.

Hochul and the MTA are playing beat the clock to impose the new toll before President-elect Donald Trump takes office and potentially tries to scuttle it. The Biden Administration signed off on the congestion pricing.

There’s a plethora of pending litigation filed in Manhattan federal court, state court and in New Jersey that could thwart the plan, too.

Then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers gave the green light to pursue congestion pricing in 2019.

Rulings are expected shortly.