New York Officials and Organizations Condemn Reports of Trump Plan to Halt Congestion Pricing

New York officials and transit advocates strongly oppose reports that the Trump administration is considering halting the city’s congestion pricing program. This move could trigger a legal battle between state and federal governments.

According to The New York Times, the U.S. Department of Transportation is exploring the possibility of revoking a key federal authorization granted under the Biden administration, which allowed congestion pricing to proceed. Such a reversal could effectively derail the tolling system, which began on January 5, 2025, and was designed to ease traffic congestion while generating revenue for public transportation improvements.

Strong Support for Congestion Pricing

Since its implementation, the Riders Alliance, a nonprofit advocating for public transit, has defended congestion pricing, emphasizing its positive impact on New Yorkers.

Congestion relief has been a significant success, gaining support daily and surviving legal challenges. According to the organizational Policy & Communications Director Danny Pearlstein, eliminating the program would destroy hundreds of thousands of infrastructure jobs and return millions of commuters to enduring delays.

City Comptroller Brad Lander, running against Mayor Eric Adams in the 2025 election, warned that canceling congestion pricing would result in dirtier air, increased traffic, and deteriorating subway service.

New Yorkers fought to implement congestion pricing before Trump took office, and Lander stated that we cannot afford to hit the brakes on this now.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has also highlighted the benefits of congestion pricing. Data indicates that over one million fewer vehicles have entered the Manhattan congestion relief zone since its implementation. Travel times at inbound river crossings have improved by 10-30%, and bus riders are experiencing faster, more reliable service. Additionally, weekend express bus ridership has surged by over 20%.

MTA CEO Janno Lieber said there was initial skepticism and legal challenges, but now we have undeniable evidence that congestion pricing works. Better bus service, reduced travel times, and safer streets benefit all New Yorkers.

Opposition to the Tolling System

Not everyone agrees with the policy. City Council Member Robert Holden, representing District 30, welcomed reports of a potential Trump intervention but denounced the toll as a scam.

Holden posted on X, formerly Twitter that the congestion tax must end, and this latest development is excellent news. 

We hope the new federal administration follows through.

Before taking office, Trump vowed to terminate the congestion pricing within his first week, describing it as the most regressive tax known to womankind. He also argued that the policy would make New York City less competitive, driving businesses to relocate elsewhere.

Discussions Between Trump and Hochul

According to CBS News, Trump and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have reportedly spoken twice in the past week about congestion pricing. Hochul has defended the initiative, emphasizing its role in raising critical funds for the city transit system and alleviating street congestion.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a vocal critic of congestion pricing, wrote a letter to Trump on January 20,” the day of his inauguration Al,” urging him to halt the toll and calling it a disaster for working—and middle-class New Jersey commuters.

The congestion pricing program, which imposes a base toll of $9 on vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street, was implemented to curb traffic congestion and generate revenue for public transportation projects.

As the debate over congestion pricing intensifies, its fate now hinges on potential federal intervention and legal challenges ahead.

This article was adapted from reporting by our sister publication