NYC Congestion Pricing: 30-Day Extension Granted

The Trump administration has granted New York City a 30-day extension to end its congestion pricing program. This follows an initial order to cease toll collection by the Federal Highway Administration, which cited concerns about exceeding Congressional authority under the Federal Highway Administration's Value Pricing Pilot Program.

<img src="https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/a848cbc6-368b-42f0-a1f9-ebdff27bc563/congestion-pricing-gty-jef-250320_1742496233533_hpMain.jpg" alt="Traffic in midtown Manhattan">

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the extension on social media, warning that continued noncompliance would not be taken lightly and characterizing New York's actions as "unacceptable." He also stated that federal funds to New York are not a "blank check."

<img src="https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/7d55722f-2653-46d6-9cd9-d2f8d2df6f71/sean-duffy-01-gty-jef-250319_1742385038679_hpMain.jpg" alt="Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy">

New York Governor Kathy Hochul responded defiantly, reiterating that the cameras will remain on and that New York is challenging the Trump administration's reversal in federal court.

<img src="https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/2581b79c-34f4-4d9b-9b3b-a93edbf5076f/tolls-1-epa-gmh-250320_1742495180343_hpMain.jpg" alt="New York Governor Kathy Hochul">

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber emphasized that this is a standard legal process, not a test of wills, and that the congestion pricing program, which has generated nearly $50 million in revenue in its first month, will continue until a court order dictates otherwise. He highlighted the program's positive impacts, including faster travel, cleaner air, and economic benefits.

The program charges passenger vehicles $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours.

This legal battle continues to unfold, with the future of NYC's congestion pricing plan hanging in the balance.