President Donald Trump has officially ended New York City’s congestion pricing program, a system that charged drivers a $9 fee to enter parts of Manhattan. He announced this decision on his social media platform, Truth Social, declaring, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD.
Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!” The White House shared this message on its X account, featuring an image of Trump wearing a crown against the New York skyline, with the caption “Long Live the King.”
The congestion pricing program, which began on January 5, aimed to reduce traffic in Manhattan and fund improvements to the city’s transit system. During peak hours, drivers were required to pay a $9 toll when entering Manhattan south of 60th Street.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) planned to use the revenue to issue bonds for infrastructure projects, addressing the needs of approximately 4 million daily commuters.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the program, stating it placed a financial burden on working-class Americans and small businesses.
He described the toll as “a slap in the face” to those groups. In response, the MTA filed a federal lawsuit to maintain the toll, with CEO Janno Lieber and Governor Kathy Hochul vowing to fight the administration’s actions.
Despite federal efforts, the toll remains effective until a judicial decision is made. Reports indicate that the toll has reduced Manhattan traffic by 9%, but the timeline for resolving the legal battle is uncertain.
Governor Hochul expressed strong opposition to the administration’s decision, emphasizing that New York has not had a king in over 250 years and will not start now. She highlighted that the program had led to a 9% drop in traffic, with reports of traffic incidents falling to half of pre-congestion levels.
Hochul pledged to keep the toll cameras active unless a judge rules otherwise, stating, “The cameras are staying on. We are keeping the cameras on. Lights, cameras, action. They’re staying on.”
The congestion pricing system was designed to reduce traffic congestion by charging drivers entering high-traffic areas during peak hours, encouraging the use of public transportation.
The program faced opposition from various groups, including commuters and business owners, who argued that the added costs negatively impacted their livelihoods. Some local business owners and commuters expressed relief at the prospect of the toll being eliminated, citing financial strain and increased costs of living.
Legal experts have questioned the administration’s authority to revoke the program’s approval, suggesting that the move could lead to prolonged court battles. Public opinion on congestion pricing has been mixed, with some supporting the initiative for its potential to reduce traffic and pollution, while others view it as an unfair financial burden. As the legal and political struggles continue, the future of New York City’s congestion pricing program remains uncertain.
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