NYC, MTA Fight Trump Order on Congestion Pricing

New York City and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have asked a federal judge to prevent the Trump administration from halting Manhattan's congestion pricing program by threatening to withhold federal approvals and billions in funding for transportation projects. The Trump administration, led by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, has demanded that tolling end by May 21, reversing federal approval originally granted under the Biden administration. The MTA argues these threats are unlawful coercion and would cause immediate harm to critical transit and infrastructure projects, including $15 billion in planned upgrades. The congestion pricing program, in place since January, charges a $9 toll to enter Manhattan's core, has reportedly reduced traffic by up to 13%, and funds mass transit improvements. City officials warn that ending the program would bring back severe congestion and threaten essential transportation investments. State and city leaders argue that federal threats undermine both the judicial process and the city's transportation future.