Gov. Kathy Hochul is doubling down on congestion pricing, aiming to launch the controversial tolling program by January. Hochul says the plan will encourage subway use and help fund the MTA’s $15 billion upgrades, despite critics calling it a financial burden on drivers.

Hochul had put the plan on "pause" in June just before the originally proposed toll of $15 was set to take effect.

The governor is renewing plans to start the tolling program, but at discounted rates. Ms. Hochul said it will generate $15 billion for mass transit.