New York toll plan faces fierce legal and political opposition ahead of Trump’s inauguration
New York's revived congestion pricing plan is set to take effect despite lawsuits and bipartisan pushback, with federal approval secured just weeks before Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Nick Reisman and Ry Rivard report for POLITICO.
In short:
- Gov. Kathy Hochul reinstated the toll plan after initially delaying it due to political concerns, lowering the fee from $15 to $9 to soften commuter opposition.
- New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, New York teachers' unions and Manhattan residents filed lawsuits opposing the tolls, citing financial burdens and design flaws.
- Supporters argue the tolls will raise $15 billion to improve mass transit and reduce congestion, but some warn of political fallout for Hochul and Democrats in swing districts.
Key quote:
“This reflects the kind of erratic and chaotic governance one would expect from a Trump presidency.”
— Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres
Why this matters:
The toll plan aims to combat traffic and pollution while funding mass transit, but it has become a flashpoint in regional and national politics. With Trump's return looming, opponents hope to reverse federal approval, and its economic impact on commuters remains a contentious issue.
Learn more: New York’s congestion pricing revival mirrors London’s experience
