Exclusive | These NYC politicians, including Eric Adams, supported the congestion toll — but they don’t have to pay it: ‘How convenient’

Some of the Big Apple’s top politicians supported the controversial $9 congestion toll — but they won’t have to pay it as they are chauffeured around in NYPD vehicles, The Post has learned.

Mayor Eric Adams, Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams are among the elite crew with security details able to pass toll-free in and out of Midtown Manhattan’s congestion zone south of 60th Street.

“I find it hypocritical that city elected officials get a pass on paying the Congestion Pricing Tax because they are chauffeured by the NYPD details,” said Susan Lee, a leader in the group New Yorkers Against Congestion Pricing Tax.

Mayor Adams and other New York City leaders won’t have to pay congestion pricing as they get chauffeured around the city. Kevin C Downs forThe New York Post
Adams’ security detail will be allowed to enter the congestion zone on 60th Street without paying a toll. Robert Miller

“However, the hardworking uniformed officers who work in the Congestion Pricing Zone have to pay $9 to drive to work,” Lee added. “How convenient for them to support the Congestion Pricing Tax when they don’t have to shoulder the cost like everyday New Yorkers.

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services, which oversees the government’s vehicle fleet, cited the MTA’s “emergency vehicle exemption plan.”

“Consistent with the MTA’s rules, all law enforcement vehicles — including those that function as part of a security detail — will receive exemptions under the recently implemented congestion pricing program,” the DCAS said a statement.

Emergency vehicles include ambulances as well as police, fire, military and medical emergency vehicles.

The $9 toll brokered by Gov. Kathy Hochul went into effect Jan. 5 after Adams’ appointees on the MTA board had enthusiastically voted for the plan in an effort to inject needed cash into the flailing transit agency’s capital program.

A sign warning drivers about the congestion toll on Park Avenue. Michael Nagle

Both Lander, who is running for mayor, and Williams slammed Hochul when she postponed the toll in June, only to resurrect it days after the 2024 elections.

Lander even backed a lawsuit filed against Hochul, claiming she had violated the law. When the toll finally went through, he celebrated.

“This is a long-awaited win for millions of hard-working straphangers who ride the subway every day,” Lander said after Hochul lifted her pause on congestion pricing. “New Yorkers will finally see less traffic, cleaner air, modernized subway signals so trains run on time, and new elevators so everyone can use them.

“We brought our lawsuits to ensure that congestion pricing would go into effect as required by law – and it couldn’t come at a more urgent time. If we don’t get the system in operation before Donald Trump becomes President, we’ll lose $15 billion in critical transit investments that we’ll never see again.”

Williams also blasted the temporary pause, claiming it would “do irreparable harm to the city.”

The double standard was too much for toll opponents to bear.

“This is just another kick in the head to taxpayers. It’s adding insult to injury,” said Queens Councilman Robert Holden. “They shouldn’t be exempt from congestion pricing. They shouldn’t have chauffeurs. It’s disgusting.”

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-SI/Brooklyn) called the exemption “bull.”

“If it’s [congestion pricing] so great, why don’t they lead by example and personally pay the toll they are pushing on working families?

“Better yet, ditch the car and take the train.” 

A congestion pricing scanner seen on Lexington Avenue. Gordon Donovan/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Rep. Mike Lawler said the exemption for New York’s top city pols is a case of  “rules for thee, but not me.”

“Every one of these folks who believe congestion pricing is a good thing, should be subject to it personally and pay the toll,” said Lawler, a Republican who represents the lower Hudson Valley and is eying a run for governor.

A City Hall spokesperson said the MTA provides all law enforcement vehicles exemptions when asked about Adams’ position on the issue.

MTA spokesman Tim Minton previously told The Post that despite the exemptions the governor is expected to use personal funds to send “send $9 to the MTA to pay tolls for each day she spends in New York City.”

Additional reporting by Vaughn Golden