NYC Toll Cuts Traffic; Trump Sets Deadline to End Program

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NY's groundbreaking $9 congestion toll faces fierce federal pushback as Governor Hochul defies the Trump administration's second deadline to terminate the program.

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The toll, targeting vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street since January 5, marks America's first congestion pricing system aimed at cutting traffic and boosting transit funding.

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy slammed the toll as "a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners," reflecting the administration's stance against the fee.

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Early data suggests the toll has already succeeded in reducing Manhattan traffic while improving bus travel times throughout the congestion zone.

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The legal battle escalated when the MTA filed a February lawsuit, with city and state transportation departments joining Friday to challenge federal authority to revoke approvals

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Rep. Nicole Malliotakis criticized Hochul for allegedly implementing congestion pricing without completing what she called a "full" environmental study.

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Federal officials haven't detailed specific enforcement plans but maintain "we expect New York to comply" with the April 20 deadline to end the program.

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Mayor Eric Adams maintains a complex position—growing closer to Trump while his administration joins the lawsuit defending congestion pricing.

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In a related power move, the Trump administration seized control of the $7 billion Penn Station reconstruction project from the MTA.

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