The Trump administration rescinded federal approval for New York City’s congestion pricing toll. This decision ignited a legal dispute between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and federal authorities. The program began in early January and imposed a $9 fee on vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Its goal was to reduce traffic and fund mass transit improvements.
President Donald Trump criticized the congestion pricing plan, calling it “the worst plan in the history of womankind.” After the federal government revoked approval for the toll, Trump celebrated on social media, stating, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD.”
New Jersey officials have long opposed the toll. They argue it unfairly burdens Garden State commuters who rely on access to Manhattan for work. Governor Phil Murphy sent a letter to Trump on his first day of his second term. He urged him to reevaluate the congestion pricing program. In the letter, he wrote, “The current congestion pricing scheme is a disaster for working and middle-class New Jersey commuters.”
Following the federal decision, New Jersey leaders hailed it as a victory for fairness and financial relief. They assert that the toll primarily served as a revenue-generating measure for the MTA rather than an effective strategy for reducing congestion. With the program’s approval revoked, these officials advocate for solutions that do not disproportionately impact New Jersey commuters.
However, the fight is not over yet. New York state officials plan to challenge the decision in court. The MTA filed a federal lawsuit to keep the tolling system in place, arguing that the program underwent thorough environmental reviews and legal checks before starting.
The revocation raises important questions about funding for public transit and how states will share costs. Supporters of congestion pricing believe it will reduce traffic and improve public transit in Manhattan. On the other hand, critics argue the policy unfairly burdens New Jersey residents, who had little say in its creation.
As legal battles continue, the future of the congestion pricing program remains unclear, leaving commuters anxious for a final decision.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.