The article discusses the lawsuit filed by local climate and transit advocates against the USDOT for revoking approval of NYC's congestion pricing program shortly after its launch. The Sierra Club and Riders Alliance, claiming legal mistakes by the department, argue the administration's rationale is flawed. The MTA had previously sued the federal government, asserting unlawful termination of the congestion pricing agreement. Early results show the program generated significant revenue and reduced traffic, emphasizing its importance amid political challenges.
Dror Ladin, a senior attorney at Earthjustice, said the Trump administration acted hastily in its attempt to end the program. In its rush to end congestion pricing, the Trump administration is selling a flimsy excuse to try and make an end run around what the laws require. Ladin emphasizes the importance of following legal procedures, as the current situation seems to undermine the foundational intent behind congestion pricing.
According to the MTA, the tolls have brought in $48.6 million during January alone. It also saw a 7.5% reduction in traffic within the Congestion Relief Zone by the third week in the same month. This early success indicates the program's potential impact on both revenue and traffic management, making it crucial to uphold against political pressures.
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