Department of Transport Rescinds Congestion Pricing in NYC
The Department of Transportation (USDOT) rescinded the MTA’s Congestion Pricing toll in New York City. The polarizing program which rolled out on January 5 levies a toll on most vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Proponents of the Congestion Pricing program argue that it would benefit the city in multiple ways. For one, the toll dissuades drivers from entering the “Congestion Relief Zone,” thereby reducing traffic and addressing pollution concerns. Consequently, the MTA expects to rake in $15 billion in revenue that it will use for repairs and maintenance. Congestion Pricing has its equal share of opponents since its original proposal decades ago, who claim tolls “drive businesses” out of Manhattan. On Wednesday, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, sent a five-page letter to Governor Kathy Hochul stating that the program needs to cease operations.
Trump Weighs In, Stirs Controversy
Additionally, President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue through the official White House handle on X. The post on X reads, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”. Backlash was immediate from commenters who said the word “King” raised new concerns on the admin’s purported authoritarianism.
Back in 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul temporarily paused an order that would have implemented Congestion Pricing in Manhattan from June 30. Notwithstanding Trump admin’s dictum, Gov. 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. 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.”
MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said they were exploring legal options to ensure the program continues. Congestion Pricing is expected to become a subject matter of contention during the Mayoral election in November 2025.
Featured Image Credits: Craig Adderley