Former President Donald Trump is taking steps to block New York City’s congestion pricing program, fulfilling a campaign promise to reverse the policy. The program, the first of its kind in the U.S., was designed to charge tolls for vehicles entering Manhattan’s busiest areas to fund mass transit improvements.
In a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlined Trump’s objections, citing concerns that the tolls drive away visitors and businesses. The letter stated that federal officials would work with the state to “discuss the orderly cessation of toll operations,” though no specific end date was mentioned.
The move is expected to face legal challenges. Duffy’s letter pointed to the financial burden on working-class drivers, the allocation of toll revenue for transit rather than road improvements, and discrepancies between the plan’s scope and federal authorization as key reasons for the decision.
Former President Donald Trump is taking steps to halt New York City’s congestion pricing program, following through on a campaign promise to end the policy. The program, which launched on January 5, charges most drivers $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street—a zone that includes major landmarks like Times Square and the Empire State Building.
Designed to reduce traffic congestion, cut pollution, and generate $15 billion for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the initiative aims to improve the city’s transit system. However, Trump argues that the tolls are driving away visitors and businesses.
In a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlined Trump’s objections and stated that federal officials would work with the state on an “orderly cessation of toll operations,” though no end date was specified. The move is expected to face legal challenges.
Trump has previously suggested he could withdraw federal approval for the program or threaten to withhold federal funding as leverage against it.
