Is NYC Congestion Pricing Really Dead? Not So Fast...
Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 20, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
The Trump administration has proclaimed that “congestion pricing is dead”, but the toll remains in place as the battle over NYC’s streets moves to the courts.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Congestion pricing was introduced on January 5th and charges drivers $9 when entering Manhattan between Central Park and Battery Park during peak traffic hours. The goal of the toll is to reduce traffic, improve city air quality, and raise funds for the Metro Transit Authority (MTA). As I mentioned in my recent article about NYC’s congestion pricing, the policy is essentially a way to make NYC drivers subsidize public transit and repair an ailing subway system.
Trump administration revokes approval
President Trump hasn’t hidden his distaste for congestion pricing and has frequently criticized the policy for being a burden on working-class drivers and raising funds for public transit instead of roads. A few weeks ago, Trump revealed more plans to remove the toll just as initial polling data and traffic results of the policy began to emerge. On February 19th, the Trump administration followed through on those plans by revoking federal approval for New York City’s congestion pricing.
NY and the MTA fight back
President Trump posted this message on social media on Wednesday: “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING! In response, Gov. Hochul stated, “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. We’ll see you in court.”
Is congestion pricing dead?
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Positive initial results
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Key Takeaways
- Congestion Pricing Lives on Despite Federal Opposition: The Trump administration has revoked federal approval for NYC’s congestion pricing, but the toll remains in effect as the MTA and Governor Hochul challenge the decision in court.
- Legal Battle Begins: The unprecedented federal order to halt congestion pricing faces legal scrutiny, and the ongoing court battle means the toll will stay in place for the foreseeable future.
- Early Data Shows Positive Impact: Initial polling and traffic data indicate that congestion pricing is reducing traffic congestion, improving commute times, and gaining increasing support from New Yorkers.
