New York Clashes with Trump Administration Over Congestion Pricing, Files Lawsuit to Preserve Toll Program

New York’s congestion pricing saga took a contentious turn last week when the Trump administration stepped in, demanding an end to tolls on federal-aid highways by March 21. According to CBS New York, Federal Highway Administration Executive Director Gloria Shepherd informed local and state transportation entities of the federal government's decision to revoke its approval of the program, initially validated under then-President Joe Biden.

The directive met stiff resistance from New York officials, with Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA filing a lawsuit in response. A statement obtained by CBS New York had officials asserting, "Secretary Duffy can send as many letters as he'd like, but the cameras are staying on. The MTA has already filed a lawsuit and we expect to be victorious." Despite the administration's push, it remains unclear whether a cessation of the congestion pricing program will indeed occur by the given deadline, as a court ruling may maintain the program temporarily.

The tolls, which have been in effect since January 5, charge a $9 daytime fee for drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. After U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revoked federal approval, President Trump celebrated the decision with a provocative social media post. Alluding to his campaign promise to end the program, he proclaimed, "LONG LIVE THE KING," alongside an illustration of himself donning a crown, as referenced by Gothamist.

The dispute's background is dense with contradictory perspectives. The MTA has reported that the congestion pricing tolls brought in nearly $49 million in January alone, which included a significant portion from for-hire vehicles. In a statement obtained by CBS New York, Governor Hochul mentioned a "huge disconnect" between the lived experiences of New Yorkers and the White House's view. Evoking a sense of determination, Hochul declared, "We're not done. We are in court. We have said that you may have asked for 'orderly cessation,' that was the phrase that came in the letter to us, 'orderly cessation.' I will propose something in the alternative: 'orderly resistance.' We will keep standing up for New Yorkers." 

At the same time, as reported by Gothamist, MTA Chair Janno Lieber compared the implementation of congestion pricing to the ban on smoking in bars, which eventually became a broadly accepted norm. Whether the cameras that monitor congestion pricing tolls will be turned off in compliance with the federal order remains to be seen. As Janno Lieber told Gothamist, “The important thing is there’s going to be no cessation unless a court orders it and we now have a matter pending in front of the Southern District [of New York].” Meanwhile, officials in New York are showing no signs of backing down, gearing up for what may be a prolonged legal battle over the right to manage the city's streets and the revenue they generate.