The Trump administration is pushing to end New York City’s congestion pricing program by March 21, but Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA are not backing down. In response to the federal government’s decision to revoke approval, state officials have filed a lawsuit, setting the stage for a legal battle that could determine the future of the controversial tolling plan.
Federal Government Demands End to Congestion Pricing
Key Development:
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Executive Director Gloria Shepherd issued a letter instructing New York State DOT, NYC DOT, and MTA Bridges and Tunnels to halt toll collection on federal-aid highways by March 21.
- Governor Hochul and MTA CEO Janno Lieber have vowed to fight the decision in court, arguing the program is essential for funding public transit improvements.
It remains unclear whether congestion pricing will actually end by March 21, as a court ruling could temporarily keep the program in place.
Hochul and MTA Respond: “See You in Court”
Legal Action:
- Hochul and the MTA have filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s withdrawal of approval.
- A spokesperson for Hochul dismissed the order, stating:
“Secretary Duffy can send as many letters as he’d like, but the cameras are staying on. The MTA has already filed a lawsuit, and we expect to be victorious.”
MTA CEO Janno Lieber echoed the defiance, saying:
“There will be no cessation unless a court orders it. We’re very, very optimistic about where this is headed.”
Governor Hochul Proposes “Orderly Resistance”
Speaking at an MTA board meeting, Hochul shared details about her recent visit to the White House, where she tried to convince the administration to reconsider. She noted a “huge disconnect” between the reality of daily commuting in New York City and federal officials’ understanding of the issue.
Hochul’s Key Statements:
- “We’re not done. We are in court. They may have asked for ‘orderly cessation,’ but I propose something different: ‘orderly resistance.’ We will keep standing up for New Yorkers.”
- “The president has never missed a child’s sporting event because of a delayed train or stood in a flooded subway station because repairs weren’t made.”
- “If the choice is between the Oval Office and 6 million pissed-off commuters, I’ll take the commuters.”
Hochul made it clear: the fight over congestion pricing is far from over.
Congestion Pricing Impact: What the Numbers Show
Revenue and Crime Data from January:
- The MTA collected nearly $49 million in congestion pricing tolls.
- $10.6 million from for-hire vehicles.
- $38 million from passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and motorcycles.
- Felony crimes dropped 36% across the transit system compared to January last year.
- Arrests rose 73%, attributed to increased police presence and fare evasion spikes.
Safety Improvements:
- The MTA credits additional officers and overnight patrols for the decline in crime.
- The agency plans to invest in further safety measures through its capital plan.
