USDOT extends deadline for ending New York City's congestion pricing

The Trump administration yesterday gave New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials a 30-day extension of the federal government's deadline for ending New York City's traffic congestion pricing program, which charges drivers a toll when entering Manhattan's central business district.

The toll went into effect in January. The revenue it generates is slated to fund MTA subway and other transit projects.

In February, the U.S. Department of Transportation revoked its November 2024 agreement with the state, approved under President Biden's administration, that allowed the congestion toll, which U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy described as "backwards and unfair." The Trump administration has threatened to suspend billions in federal funding to the state if it doesn't suspend the congestion toll; today had been a deadline for doing so.

Hochul has said the state will not suspend the toll program and is fighting the Trump administration in court over the matter. In a social media post yesterday, Duffy said the administration is putting Hochul and the state on notice.

"Your refusal to end cordon pricing and your open disrespect towards the federal government is unacceptable," Duffy said on X. "We will provide New York with a 30-day extension as discussions continue. Know that the billions of dollars the federal government sends to New York are not a blank check. Continued noncompliance will not be taken lightly."

MTA Chief of Policy and External Relations John McCarthy issued the following statement in response to Duffy's comments: "The status quo remains, which means everyone can continue to expect less traffic, faster commutes, and safer streets in Manhattan. As we’ve said, there was exhaustive study, projected benefits were right, and we can’t go back to gridlock."