Trump renews push to end New York City vehicle congestion fee
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The first-in-the-nation programme launched in January charges most passenger vehicles US$9 (S$11.75) during peak periods to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on Nov 3 he would ask Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to again consider terminating the New York City vehicle congestion fee, more than five months after a federal judge blocked the effort.
The first-in-the-nation programme launched in January charges most passenger vehicles US$9 (S$11.75) during peak periods to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, which is on track to raise US$500 million in 2025.
In May, US District Judge Lewis Liman issued a preliminary injunction
Mr Duffy in April told New York Governor Kathy Hochul the Transportation Department could withhold environmental approvals or the start of project funding if the state did not end congestion pricing.
“New York City is getting KILLED by her ridiculous CONGESTION PRICING, where people have to pay a fortune to come into Manhattan – So they just don’t come!” Mr Trump said on Truth Social of Ms Hochul on Nov 3. “The place is a ghost town.”
Ms Hochul has said tourism and business have increased in New York City because the fee is dramatically reducing gridlock.
Mr Trump’s comments on social media come just a day before New York voters will pick a new mayor.
A spokesperson for Ms Hochul rejected Mr Trump’s complaints saying, “The Trump administration tried once before to kill congestion pricing and lost. If they want to try again, we’ll see them in court. The cameras are staying on.”
Mr Duffy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Judge Liman has said he will issue a ruling on the merits of the lawsuit by the end of December.
Ms Hochul has said funds raised from the programme underpin US$15 billion in debt financing for critical mass transit capital improvements.
Earlier in October, Mr Trump’s administration froze US$18 billion for major transit projects in New York, including the US$17.2 billion Hudson River tunnel project, which received more than US$11 billion in federal grants for passenger railroad Amtrak and commuter lines between New Jersey and Manhattan.
Mr Trump said the Hudson tunnel project has been “terminated”, which has become a campaign issue in the New Jersey governor’s race.
Additionally, the Transportation Department on Feb 19 rescinded federal approval of a programme designed to reduce traffic and raise money to upgrade ageing subway and bus systems. REUTERS
