In the latest turn of events over the topic of congestion pricing in New York City, a NBC New York report indicates a growing number of New Yorkers are supporting the toll, with the latest Siena College poll showing 42% in favor of keeping it, compared to the 35% who back President Trump's attempts to end the program. This is a notable shift in public opinion since December when the same source registered only 32% support among New Yorkers. As the March 21 deadline, set by the Trump administration for the cessation of the program, fast approaches, Governor Kathy Hochul has shown a readiness to fight back, having promised an "orderly resistance" to the federal order. According to NBC New York, Hochul, alongside the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), is banking on the program's apparent success, as MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber cited a significant drop in vehicular traffic and increased revenue as proof of its effectiveness.
The battle over the congestion pricing plan, crucial for funding MTA’s large-scale transportation infrastructure endeavors, is set to continue in the legal arena, a New York Times report notes, despite pushback from the Trump administration which has commanded the program be scrapped by March 21. While some experts argue that Trump's deadline is not legally binding, the possibility of the federal government employing financial pressure tactics by withholding funds for unrelated state projects to influence New York’s decision remains a concern, this development was followed closely by various stakeholders, the MTA reaffirmed its decision not to turn off the tolls until directed otherwise by a federal judge, asserting that the congestion pricing has reduced traffic and commutes.
With a steadfast approach, Hochul presented President Trump with a booklet of positive outcomes attributed to congestion pricing during a private meeting at the White House, information first highlighted by a report from NBC New York. The MTA has also filed a federal lawsuit, claiming that once federal approval is given, the government cannot unilaterally retract it without following due process; CEO Janno Lieber expressed confidence in the MTA's stance during a segment on NY1, “Once it’s begun, there’s all kinds of case law in federal courts about the procedures that the federal government has to use to take away an approval to reverse a decision. None of this complies with that, and that’s why we are so comfortable that this is a strong case, and we’re going to win.”
Adding to the fire, the MTA's rampant activity includes The New York Times revealing that close to $50 million has been collected in the first month of the program's operation, the authority's estimates show the toll is on course to raise $15 billion for the said repairs and improvements; with the March 21 showdown looming, the agency's federal lawsuit seeks to protect a program already showing positive effects on city congestion and transportation revenues.
