NEW YORK — The Trump administration has moved to halt the controversial Manhattan toll plan, raising questions about the region's mass transit system's financing. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw federal support for the tolls has triggered immediate legal action from advocates, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
In a social media post, Trump declared, "CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!" This abrupt reversal followed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's move to rescind the necessary approval for the tolls that went into effect in early January.
Legal Battles and Reactions
Janno Lieber, the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), expressed bewilderment at the administration's actions, highlighting the extensive federal review process and recent approval of the Congestion Relief Program. The MTA has taken legal steps to challenge the decision and preserve the program.
Governor Hochul affirmed the state's commitment to legal recourse, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law. The toll plan, despite facing delays earlier, aimed to address traffic congestion and provide funding for vital infrastructure projects.
Impact on Transit Funding and Infrastructure
The $1 billion annual revenue projected from the tolls was intended to support significant improvements to the city's bus and subway systems. Advocates of congestion pricing, including transit groups and business organizations, had advocated for the financial benefits and reduced traffic associated with the plan.
However, President Trump's longstanding skepticism of congestion pricing, rooted in concerns for working-class Americans and small businesses, led to the abrupt termination of the program. The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with construction industry leaders criticizing the move as shortsighted and detrimental to infrastructure development.
Political Responses and Legal Challenges
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a vocal opponent of the tolls, welcomed the decision, echoing past criticisms of congestion pricing as burdensome. Democratic leaders, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer, praised the administration's intervention, citing concerns over the program's impact on commuters.
Transportation Secretary Duffy, in correspondence with Governor Hochul, underscored the administration's alignment with President Trump's stance on easing financial burdens for working-class Americans. The decision reflects broader debates on transportation policies and funding priorities.
As legal battles unfold and political divisions deepen, the future of congestion pricing in Manhattan remains uncertain. The clash between federal intervention and local initiatives underscores the complexities of urban transportation planning and financing.