NYC Asks Court to Block Federal Move Against Crowding Fees
On Monday, New York City and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) urged a judge to halt the Trump administration’s effort to eliminate the city’s crowd pricing program. The city’s transportation lawyers are seeking an order to prevent Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy from terminating the program, which has not received federal approval and could impact billions in funding for other projects.
Additionally, New York has requested a temporary injunction to stop the federal government from blocking the program.
Federal Actions Target NYC’s Crowding Fees
The crowd pricing initiative launched in January, specifically in Manhattan south of 60th Street. It uses electronic license plate readers to bill most drivers $9 during peak hours, aimed at reducing congestion and funding public transport improvements.
In a February social media post, President Trump claimed credit for efforts to eliminate crowd pricing, stating that “Crowded prices are dead,” alongside an image of himself wearing a crown. This remark reflects the administration’s intent to dismantle the program.
City officials assert that the program has significantly decreased traffic, estimating about 5.8 million fewer cars were on the roads than anticipated from January to March, which translates to a reduction of approximately 8% to 13%.
Bipartisan Concerns Over Traffic Policies
The traffic conditions improved last month, resulting in a 12% drop in travel time to Manhattan. In contrast, hotel occupancy, retail spending, and pedestrian traffic have reportedly increased, according to the city.
The MTA and city officials warned that discontinuing the program would lead to a return of severe congestion in Manhattan. Governor Kathy Hochul noted that revenue generated from this program is essential for supporting $15 billion in debt funding aimed at enhancing public transport infrastructure.
Last month, Duffy cautioned Hochul that if the state doesn’t eliminate crowd pricing by late May, the Department of Transportation could withhold necessary environmental approvals or funding for the initiative.
The program was initially greenlit in November during the Biden administration, and federal approval is crucial since it involves highway tolls. Critics, including Duffy, argue that the program could financially burden workers and limit drivers’ access to free roads.
