The Trump administration intensified its challenges against New York's congestion pricing, insisting on halting the tolling plan or facing a loss of federal transit funding. In a letter, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy set a deadline for the Governor to justify the program. The toll, approved by the Biden administration to limit traffic and pollution, faces pushback from federal officials, despite legal support for its continuation. Evidence shows that the toll effectively reduced Manhattan traffic, reflecting its intended benefits amidst ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities.
Sean Duffy, the U.S. secretary of transportation, threatened that if New York does not halt the implementation of congestion pricing, it risks losing federal funding for transit projects.
"The federal government sends billions to New York, but we won't foot the bill if Governor Hochul continues to implement an illegal toll to backfill the budget of New York's failing transit system," Mr. Duffy stated.
Legal experts have argued that the Trump administration does not have the authority to unilaterally revoke the approval for the congestion pricing program given by the Biden administration.
Evidence suggests the congestion pricing program is effective; from January to March, 5.8 million fewer vehicles entered Manhattan below 60th Street compared to previous years.
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