Congestion pricing continues as MTA appeals Trump administration's decision
Gov. Kathy Hochul has confirmed that toll cameras will remain active until a judge rules otherwise, following the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's appeal of the Trump administration's decision to scrap the controversial program.
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Despite hopes from some that congestion pricing in New York City might end, drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street must still pay a $9 toll—at least for now.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has confirmed that toll cameras will remain active until a judge rules otherwise, following the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's appeal of the Trump administration's decision to scrap the controversial program.
Congestion pricing, which faced multiple court challenges and a temporary halt by Hochul months before this year's election, officially took effect Jan. 5. The toll, set to eventually rise to $15, is projected to generate $1.5 billion for critical train and subway upgrades, according to MTA officials. Critics, however, call it a mere money grab.
In a letter, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlined the administration's stance, arguing that the program "provides no toll-free option for many drivers," such as those in Rockland County, and primarily "raises revenue for the MTA" rather than reducing congestion. The Trump administration asserts its authority to review and rescind such programs on highways built with federal funds.
Rockland County officials are celebrating the potential end to the tolls. County Executive Ed Day stated, "This is going to be a home run for everybody. The bottom line is people who go to work in the city should not be penalized for simply going to work."
Meanwhile, Hochul is standing firm, declaring, "We're fighting for our residents, our commuters, our riders, our drivers, our emergency personnel. Life has gotten better."
