We're a little late on this, but:
Congestion pricing has been pronounced dead by Assembly Speaker Shelly Silver. From AP:
"The conference has decided that they are not prepared to do congestion pricing. Many members just don’t believe in the concept. Many think this proposal is flawed. It will not be on the floor of the Assembly.”
The result is not particularly unexpected. It's a vivid illustration of the power of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and will produce much anger and frustration in City Hall. But, merits aside, how do you defend the process? Silver's Democrats go behind closed doors, say whatever they say, and kill the bill.
How can democracy function when a bill does not go to the floor for a vote of all the Assembly members, and can be killed by a minority? When legislators can act in secret and don't have to go on record with a vote they will have to defend on election day?
Update: City Hall seems to have the same issue. A statement:
"What we are witnessing today is one of the biggest cop-outs in New York's history. After insisting on the formation of a commission to make recommendations for a bill, and then for the City Council to vote to endorse that bill, the Assembly needs to stand up and be counted.
"They owe it to the majority of New Yorkers who support this plan, the scores of environmental groups, public health organizations, business leaders, unions, and the public at large, to put this proposal to a public vote.”