Gov. Kathy Hochul still says to wait until the end of the year for news on funding the MTA with congestion pricing, although President-elect Donald Trump has said in social media posts and in speeches he’d terminate the tolling plan.

According to the governor, she’s aware that time is ticking and is planning possible post-election scenarios.

“We know our timeframe better than anybody. We’re watching this, we’re continuing this,” Hochul said. “I spoke to the White House about this only three days ago. They understand our need to take affirmative steps to ensure that nothing compromises the MTA. And of course, if there is a short follow of money, we are committed to the next capital plan.”

But funding the MTA may be a heavy lift, having to fill the $15 billion hole left from congestion pricing plus $33 billion the MTA expects to get from Albany for its next capital plan.

Albany also may have to fill the gap from possibly less grant funding from the Trump administration.

The last Trump administration delayed the environmental review for congestion pricing and gave less than $80 million in grants to the MTA verses about $4 billion from the Biden administration.

Meanwhile, transit advocates are pressing harder for the governor to unpause congestion pricing now.

Hochul reiterating the same refrain.

“That does not mean I’m hostile to congestion pricing,” she said. “To the contrary, I simply said this is a pause.”  

While many drivers are celebrating the tolling plan being on its deathbed, despite a pending court case that could still force its implementation, riders NY1 spoke with worry about the fate of the subway system.

“I’m not sure the last time he was on a subway but they are really necessary for the city and they need a lot of work,” commuter Caroline Kane said. “So I hope, man, that doesn’t happen.”

“They definitely need more money. The trains are falling apart so it’s not good,” commuter Dylan Bannon said.

As for the next president, “Not going to make things better, that’s for sure.”

Meanwhile, MTA chair and CEO Janno Lieber issued a statement saying, “We will make the case in Washington, where there is a long history of bipartisanship on transportation issues--as we did during COVID, working alongside Sen. Schumer, Republicans, Democrats, and the first Trump administration to make sure transit was able to keep going.”

Control of the House now may be a factor in what deals can be made in Congress to help the MTA.