President Donald Trump celebrated his administration’s efforts to eliminate federal approval of New York’s congestion pricing system, calling himself “king” in social media posts. The system, which imposed tolls on cars entering Manhattan’s central business district, aimed to raise funds for the city’s aging mass transit system. However, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy argued that these tolls were unfair to motorists outside the city and were a burden on working-class Americans and small business owners. New York Governor Kathy Hochul defiantly insisted that the toll-collection cameras would remain active, despite the Trump administration’s opposition.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) stated that congestion pricing has been beneficial in reducing street congestion, improving traffic flow, and attracting more visitors to New York. MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber vowed to fight any federal attempts to end congestion pricing, calling it an essential component of the city’s transportation infrastructure. Some leaders outside Manhattan welcomed the Trump administration’s efforts to abolish the toll system, arguing that it unfairly taxed drivers from neighboring states, like New Jersey.
Overall, the debate around congestion pricing in New York reflects broader tensions between state and federal authorities, as well as concerns about the equitable distribution of transportation costs and benefits. While Trump’s declaration of victory over congestion pricing may have pleased some, Governor Hochul and the MTA remain determined to defend the system and its positive impacts on traffic management and economic growth in New York City.
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