NYC Congestion Toll Remains Despite Federal Opposition

The $9 congestion toll for most drivers entering the busiest part of Manhattan remained in effect on Sunday. This occurred despite a deadline from the Trump administration to halt the fee, which is the first of its kind in the nation. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the state agency overseeing the tolls, confirmed that its traffic camera system continues to collect the fee.

President Donald Trump's transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, rescinded federal approval for the program in February. He described it as detrimental to working-class Americans and small business owners. Initially, New York was given until March 21 to comply.

The MTA challenged Duffy's decision in federal court. Subsequently, Duffy extended the deadline to April 20. The transportation department maintained its stance, stating it would use all available tools if the state failed to stop the toll, even as the court case proceeded.

John J. McCarthy, the MTA's chief of policy and external relations, stated that the MTA, state, and city reaffirmed in a court filing that congestion pricing would continue. He added that the arguments made by Secretary Duffy to stop it were without merit. The U.S. Department of Transportation did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The fee, implemented on January 5, aims to reduce traffic congestion and generate billions of dollars in revenue for New York's subways, commuter trains, and public buses. Trump, whose properties are within the congestion zone, had pledged to eliminate the plan.

The transit authority has highlighted the benefits of the tolling program, noting a decrease in vehicles entering Manhattan. Data released earlier this month showed that approximately 560,000 vehicles per day entered the congestion zone in March, a 13% drop from the projected number without the toll. The agency anticipates meeting its initial revenue projection of $500 million this year.

The toll amount varies based on vehicle type and time of day, and it is in addition to existing tolls for bridges and tunnels into Manhattan. Other major cities, such as London and Stockholm, have implemented similar congestion pricing schemes.

A Manhattan federal judge dismissed several lawsuits challenging the toll on Thursday. These lawsuits, brought by the local trucking industry and other groups, argued that the fee was approved without proper scrutiny and that a more comprehensive environmental impact study should be completed.