Congestion Pricing in NYC: DOJ Admits Weak Case Against Tolls

An internal Department of Justice memo reveals a weak legal standing in the Trump administration's attempt to end New York City's congestion pricing program. The memo casts doubt on the success of their case, stating there's a "considerable litigation risk" in challenging the program.

The Fight Over Tolls

The Trump administration, under Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, has repeatedly ordered the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to halt the Manhattan tolling program. The MTA, along with New York City, has refused to comply. Duffy even threatened to halt non-essential construction projects in Manhattan if the tolls aren't stopped by May 21st.

DOJ's Admission of Weakness

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York expressed serious concerns about the administration's legal strategy in a letter to the Department of Transportation. They highlight the unlikelihood of prevailing in court, citing concerns about the legality of the administration's actions.

A DOT spokesperson responded with a statement calling the SDNY lawyers incompetent and suggesting their memo shows resistance to the administration's aims. The spokesperson argued that the congestion pricing program was hastily approved and unfairly burdens working-class drivers, suggesting the DOT may halt projects and funding for New York State if the tolls remain in effect.

Ongoing Legal Battles and Toll Effectiveness

New York officials maintain that congestion pricing is legal and will not be stopped. The tolls have already demonstrably reduced traffic in Manhattan's Central Business District by 13% in March, with the MTA reporting over $51 million collected in February alone.

A judge has already rejected arguments from groups opposing the tolls and refused to halt the program during the ongoing legal battle.

Read More:

• Link to article about NYC congestion pricing being halted
• Link to article about the May 21 deadline
• Link to article about the agreement to continue tolls into the fall
• Link to article about the judge dismissing arguments against the tolls
• Link to article about the judge refusing to halt the tolls