The Trump administration ordered an immediate halt to New York City’s congestion pricing system this week, upending a program designed to reduce traffic gridlock and fund mass transit upgrades. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy called the tolls a
‘slap in the face to working class Americans’while announcing federal approval withdrawal.
Launched in January, the system charged most drivers $9 to enter Manhattan south of Central Park using automated license plate readers. Early data showed 12% fewer vehicles during peak hours, but critics argue cumulative fees – including bridge/tunnel costs – created crippling expenses for suburban commuters. New Jersey tunnel users now pay up to $31.81 during rush hour.
Despite opposition, transit leaders stress the program’s critical role:
- Projected $1 billion annual revenue for subway/bus improvements
- 18% decrease in vehicle emissions in pilot zones
- Faster emergency response times from reduced congestion
Similar systems operate in London, Singapore, and Stockholm, but this marked America’s first major experiment. The reversal leaves NYC’s cash-strapped transit agency scrambling – ridership remains 30% below pre-pandemic levels while deferred maintenance costs exceed $50 billion.
Political tensions permeate the decision. President Trump owns multiple properties within the toll zone, having vowed to kill the plan since 2023. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) praised the move, while NYC Mayor Eric Adams warned of ‘catastrophic service cuts’ without toll revenue. The program previously survived six legal challenges, including lawsuits from teacher unions and trucking groups.
With traffic volumes rebounding post-pandemic, transit advocates fear gridlock’s return. ‘This isn’t just about tolls,’ said Transport Workers Union rep Lena Cruz. ‘It’s about whether cities can innovate to save public transit and our climate future.’
As debates continue, drivers face uncertainty. Congestion tolls drop to $2.25 overnight, but daytime commuters await clarity. The Biden administration approved the plan in 2022 after years of delays, setting up a potential legal clash over federal authority to revoke infrastructure permits.