New York, the city that never sleeps, continues to enforce its $9 congestion toll on drivers entering Manhattan despite pushback from the Trump administration. The toll, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion and generate revenue for public transportation, has faced opposition from former President Donald Trump and his administration, with the federal government challenging its implementation.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority have confirmed that the traffic cameras monitoring the tolls remain operational. The program, which began in January, has already resulted in a significant reduction in the number of vehicles entering the congested area in Manhattan.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, appointed by Trump, rescinded federal approval for the toll program, criticizing it as detrimental to working-class Americans and small business owners. The deadline for halting the toll was originally set for March 21 but was extended to April 20 after legal challenges from the MTA. Despite the federal government’s opposition, New York has affirmed its commitment to the congestion pricing scheme.
The toll, varying based on the type of vehicle and time of day, supplements the tolls already in place for bridges and tunnels leading into Manhattan. Cities like London and Stockholm have also implemented similar congestion pricing schemes to combat traffic congestion and raise revenue for public transportation.
Recent data released by the MTA indicates a 13% decrease in the number of vehicles entering the congestion zone, demonstrating the effectiveness of the toll in reducing traffic. The agency remains optimistic about meeting its revenue projections for the year through the toll program.
A federal judge in Manhattan recently dismissed lawsuits challenging the toll brought by local trucking industry and other groups. Despite the opposition, New York seems poised to continue with its congestion pricing program to address traffic issues in the city and fund essential public transportation services.