Trump blocks toll to enter midtown Manhattan
Posted on 02/21/25 at 12:52
- Trump Administration Blocks $9 Toll to Enter Downtown Manhattan
- Measure Aimed at Reducing Pollution and Funding Public Transport
- Governor Hochul and the MTA Take the Case to Court
The Trump administration officially blocked the $9 congestion toll for entry into downtown Manhattan this Wednesday.
The toll, implemented by the State of New York in January, was designed to ease traffic congestion in the city.
It also aimed to raise $15 billion for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to support and improve public transportation.
However, the Trump administration deemed the measure harmful to workers and small businesses.
Trump Administration Blocks Manhattan Toll
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul outlining the administration’s reasoning.
He argued that the toll penalized drivers who had already paid taxes to fund road infrastructure.
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Duffy also claimed that the toll to enter downtown Manhattan would hinder trade with neighboring states like New Jersey and Connecticut by increasing transportation costs for goods.
He announced that the federal government would initiate an «orderly shutdown» of the toll measure but did not provide a specific timeline.
The policy applied to all vehicles entering central Manhattan, except during early morning hours.
In its first week, weekday traffic was 9% lower than the previous year.
The MTA defended the program, stating it had proven to be effective.
Trump had already promised to eliminate the toll upon returning to the White House.
MTA President Janno Lieber announced that the agency has challenged the decision to remove the Manhattan toll in federal court.
He vowed to fight for the program’s continuation.
He emphasized that traffic reduction benefits the city.
Lieber also insisted that the toll is essential for funding public transportation.
Governor Hochul strongly criticized the decision, stressing the importance of public transit.
She reaffirmed that the U.S. is a nation of laws and that the matter will be settled in court.
«See you in court,» Hochul warned the Trump administration.
The legal battle over the Manhattan congestion toll is now in the hands of the judicial system.
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