Trump administration terminates approval of New York City congestion pricing
Share and Follow

The Trump administration on Wednesday nixed federal approval of New York’s “congestion pricing” automobile tolls, which had been instituted just last month to raise funds for the region’s aging mass transit system.

In a letter to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the federal government has jurisdiction over highways leading to Manhattan and that these additional tolls posed an unfair burden in motorists outside the city.

President Donald Trump celebrated the potential end to congestion pricing and appeared to liken himself to royalty.

“CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!” he wrote on social media.

Duffy called the tolls, targeting Manhattan-bound drivers, “backwards and unfair.”

“New York State’s congestion pricing plan is a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners,” Duffy said in statement.

“Commuters using the highway system to enter New York City have already financed the construction and improvement of these highways through the payment of gas taxes and other taxes. But now the toll program leaves drivers without any free highway alternative, and instead, takes more money from working people to pay for a transit system and not highways.”

Under the system, most cars entering Manhattan’s central  business district — from 60th Street all the way down to the southern tip of the Financial District — had to pay a peak fee of $9 from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said Wednesday the New York transportation agency will go to court to fight any federal efforts to end the tolls.

“Today, the MTA filed papers in federal court to ensure that the highly successful program — which has already dramatically reduced congestion, bringing reduced traffic and faster travel times, while increasing speeds for buses and emergency vehicles — will continue notwithstanding this baseless effort to snatch those benefits away,” Lieber said in a statement.

Congestion pricing underwent a thorough federal review and proved its benefits, according to the MTA head.

“It’s mystifying that after four years and 4,000 pages of federally-supervised environmental review — and barely three months after giving final approval to the Congestion Relief Program — USDOT would seek to totally reverse course,” according to Lieber.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., called the White House arguments against congestion pricing “utterly baseless and frankly, laughable.”

“Congestion pricing has not only consistently withstood significant legal challenges, emerging victorious in every court decision to date,” Nadler said in a statement, “but it has also become immensely popular among New Yorkers, delivering on its promises—less traffic, fewer crashes, and reduced noise pollution, all contributing to safer, quieter streets.”

Nadler added: “Mr. President, we’ll see you in court.”

Gov. Hochul said congestion pricing has been nothing but a success and vowed to keep it running, saying this is a “nation of laws, not ruled by a king.”

“Since this first-in-the-nation program took effect last month, congestion has dropped dramatically and commuters are getting to work faster than ever. Broadway shows are selling out and foot traffic to local businesses is spiking,” she said in a statement.

“School buses are getting kids to class on time, and yellow cab trips increased by 10 percent. Transit ridership is up, drivers are having a better experience, and support for this program is growing every day.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Prince Harry 'isn't loving Meghan posting pictures of their children'

Prince Harry’s Concerns: Meghan’s Social Media Posts of Their Children Stir Internal Tensions

Prince Harry is reportedly uneasy about his wife Meghan Markle’s recent social…
Democrat Spanberger storms to victory in Virginia in anti-Trump wave

Democrat Abigail Spanberger Wins Decisively in Virginia Amid Strong Anti-Trump Sentiment

Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, has surged to a commanding victory in the…
'I've had a good life' | She still bakes and exercises — even as she celebrates her 100th birthday

Centenarian Celebrates 100th Birthday with Active Lifestyle: Baking and Exercise Keep Her Vibrant

“My life has been fulfilling,” Delema Eldridge reflected, contemplating her century-long journey.…
Two Belgium airports shut down after drones are spotted overhead

Drone Intrusions Ground Flights: Belgium’s Major Airports Face Unexpected Shutdown

Drone activity has resulted in the temporary shutdown of two significant airports…
Car used by missing California girl's mom on road trip had license plates swapped to 'avoid detection'

License Plates Swapped on Vehicle Linked to Missing California Girl’s Mother to Evade Detection

The search continues for a nine-year-old girl from California, Melodee Buzzard, who…
Britain's richest man Gopichand Hinduja dies aged 85

Gopichand Hinduja, Britain’s Wealthiest Business Magnate, Passes Away at 85

Gopichand Hinduja, known for building a vast global business empire alongside his…
Michelle Obama reveals the hidden meanings behind her fashion choices

Unlocking the Secrets: Michelle Obama’s Fashion Choices Decoded for the First Time

Nearly ten years after departing the White House, Michelle Obama is set…
Malaysian rapper Namewee detained in Taiwanese influencer Hsieh Yu hsin death

Shocking Turn of Events: Malaysian Rapper Namewee Arrested in Connection with Taiwanese Influencer’s Tragic Death

The unfolding drama surrounding the tragic demise of Taiwanese social media influencer…