Trump Administration Ends NYC's Congestion Pricing Plan

The Trump administration has moved to terminate New York City's congestion pricing program, which imposed tolls on drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy informed Governor Kathy Hochul that the program is considered regressive and burdensome for working-class Americans and small business owners, as it lacks a toll-free alternative for drivers. The program, which started in January, aimed to raise funds for public transit improvements while reducing traffic congestion, but faced significant opposition, including from New Jersey officials. Duffy stated that the congestion pricing plan was contrary to federal guidelines and was primarily focused on generating revenue for the Metropolitan Transit Authority rather than reducing traffic. This decision is expected to provoke legal challenges, and if overturned, it could result in substantial funding losses for New York City's transit infrastructure. Hochul's office has not yet responded to this development.