Trump Administration Orders Halt to NYC Congestion Pricing
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The Department of Transportation has rescinded federal approval of a controversial congestion tolling program for vehicles traveling through Manhattan, calling the experiment “a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners.”
“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,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy declared in a five-page Feb. 19 letter sent to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “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. It’s backwards and unfair.”
The move, Duffy added, “effectively ends tolling authority for New York City’s cordon pricing plan,” which imposed tolls on drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street.
Officially, the action terminates an approval granted in November by the Federal Highway Administration for the pilot project. Duffy echoed President Donald Trump’s view that the congestion tolling project placed significant financial burdens on city residents, businesses and commuters from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Duffy also maintained that the fees were predominantly earmarked to fund public transportation projects within New York City, which he said exceeds the scope of regulatory authority of the DOT Value Pricing Pilot Program initiative that former President Joe Biden’s administration used to advance the effort.
Duffy said he also considered input from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy about the detrimental impact the program was having on Garden State residents, who were paying $15 or more to enter New York City. Murphy issued a statement thanking Trump and Duffy for ending what he called a “disastrous tolling scheme.”
Murphy added, “While I have consistently expressed openness to a form of congestion pricing that meaningfully protects the environment and does not unfairly burden hardworking New Jersey commuters, the current program lines the MTA’s pockets at the expense of New Jerseyans. Although we have had a difference of opinion with our colleagues in New York on congestion pricing, we have always had a productive relationship with our neighbors across the Hudson. I look forward to continuing that spirit of partnership for the benefit of the entire Tri-State Area.”
. American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear said, “Truckers don’t drive into Manhattan to sightsee. They do it because customers depend on them. The deliveries they make are essential to businesses and residents and keep New York City running. Truckers deserve our gratitude. Instead, New York imposed a $21.60 toll — eventually climbing to $36 — each time they crossed south of 60th Street. Even worse, the proceeds of this shakedown were not dedicated to improving roads and bridges, but instead subsidized a bloated and mismanaged transit bureaucracy that has proven unable to control spiraling costs. New York’s subways were never going to deliver the city’s freight.”
"CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!"
–President Donald J. Trump — The White House (@WhiteHouse)
Spear added that truckers appreciate the Trump administration for restoring the original intent of the Value Pricing Pilot Program, which he said, “does not give states carte blanche ability to toll.” Spear added that ATA was proud to support the Trucking Association of New York’s leadership in successfully fighting the policy.
TANY President Kendra Hems said, “We stand with President Trump and Secretary Duffy in their efforts to end the congestion pricing program. We agree with their decision to halt this program, and we hope it leads to an immediate cessation of the collection of tolls.”
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She noted that TANY has consistently expressed concerns about congestion pricing — including in litigation — for disproportionately burdening the trucking industry.
“In just six short weeks since its implementation, this program has already negatively impacted our industry and the people who rely upon it — essentially all New Yorkers,” Hems said. “These impacts include increased operational costs for trucking companies, higher prices for consumers, and potential job losses in the transportation sector. These are challenges for every industry in New York and everyone who depends on the timely delivery of goods — from groceries to medical supplies.”
She suggested alternatives the city could offer to address congestion and emissions output could include delivery incentives during off-peak hours and operator subsidies for electric vehicle conversion. “Smart policy initiatives like these will help reduce traffic while allowing New Yorkers to continue to enjoy the city, receive reasonably priced goods, and ensure the economy keeps running smoothly,” Hems said.
Donald Trump isn't a "king" and we won't let him use New Yorkers as roadkill on his revenge tour.
We’ll see him in court. — Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul)
The state plans to fight to restore the tolling program, Hochul said. “Since this first-in-the-nation program took effect last month, congestion has dropped dramatically and commuters are getting to work faster than ever,” she noted. “Broadway shows are selling out and foot traffic to local businesses is spiking. School buses are getting kids to class on time, and yellow cab trips increased by 10%. Transit ridership is up, drivers are having a better experience, and support for this program is growing every day.”
In an apparent volley toward Trump, Hochul added, “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. The [Metropolitan Transportation Authority] has initiated legal proceedings in the Southern District of New York to preserve this critical program. We’ll see you in court.”
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