Trump Administration Weighs Options for NYC's Congestion Pricing Initiative

The Trump management is pushing back against a federal judge’s potential block on New York’s congestion pricing initiative.

In a recent filing dated May 15, the U.S. Department of Transportation informed U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman that there’s no justification for a preliminary injunction,asserting that the administration has yet to finalize its stance on how to address the state Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s “haphazard claims.”

on May 6, the MTA requested Liman to issue an injunction preventing the Transportation Department from withholding federal approvals or funds amid President Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle congestion pricing. the agency indicated it had reached a stalemate wiht federal officials over the $9 toll imposed on most drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street since January 5.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on February 19 that he was revoking U.S. approval previously granted under former President Joe Biden’s administration. that same day, the MTA filed a lawsuit, stating they would continue tolling unless ordered or else by a court.

However, Duffy warned on April 21 that if tolls weren’t halted by May 21, federal actions would commence starting May 28.In response, the MTA sought an injunction to prevent any such measures while their legal battle unfolds.

Duffy emphasized in his may 15 filing that “the authority exists to terminate agreements based on shifts in agency priorities.” He added that if the court interprets his April letter as final termination of agreement terms, then it was executed reasonably.