Staff Reports
New York City’s congestion pricing policy, a scheme that has more enemies than supporters, is on the verge of collapse thanks to the decisive action taken by the Trump Administration. Many have deemed the toll as “backwards and unfair,” and it turns out they’re right—at least according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Introduced on January 5, the Central Business District Tolling Program slaps drivers with fees just for the privilege of entering certain parts of Manhattan. For passenger vehicles, the toll can hit $9 during peak hours, while larger trucks and buses can see charges soar to $21. It’s as if City Hall concocted a plan to convert the Big Apple into a big cash grab, hitting the wallets of working-class citizens and small business owners trying to make a living.
Trump Smacks Down NY Gov. Hochul, Moves To Axe Hated Congestion Pricing Tollhttps://t.co/XlWLf0yAjH
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) February 20, 2025
Duffy recently put his foot down, dropping a bombshell letter on Governor Kathy Hochul to inform her that the Federal Highway Administration’s support for this excessive tolling system was not backed by law. His reasoning is simple: those who drive into New York City have already contributed to the construction and upkeep of the highways through various taxes. Now, instead of appreciating that, the city is just looking for another way to squeeze more coins from hardworking Americans by eliminating any free alternatives.
It would seem the congestion pricing plan isn’t just bad for commuters; it’s also a gut punch to small enterprises that rely on customers from neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut. Duffy highlighted how the tolls jack up costs for deliveries too, which inevitably make goods pricier for everyone. Suddenly, folks wanting to access the city aren’t just facing a toll booth; they’re facing a financial barrier set up by an elite few who don’t seem to care about the average American’s struggles.
In the letter, Duffy outlined the administration’s legal strategy to shut down this controversial initiative. Not only does the toll apply to travelers depending on which roads they use, but it also offers no relief options. The Secretary of Transportation pointed out that the whole situation reeks of desperation—a rush to generate cash for the Metropolitan Transit Authority rather than a genuine effort to tackle congestion. It’s almost like they’re trying to fund a transit system while crying about traffic—it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
Reactions to the potential demise of this ill-fated toll have been enthusiastic, even among Democrats. New York City Councilman Bob Holden lauded the administration for standing up to what he referred to as a “scam tax.” It seems even some on the left are recognizing the toll for what it truly is—a poorly disguised cash grab aimed at lining the pockets of city bureaucrats and transit authorities. The tide is definitely turning, and with both sides seeing the light, it looks like New Yorkers may finally get a reprieve from this financial headache.
