the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New York NY, in a major policy shift, and a victory for commuters and tourism ,the Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it is rescinding approval for New York City’s congestion pricing program, effectively halting the initiative that aimed to reduce traffic and fund transit improvements.
Why Was the Program Halted?
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy justified the decision by criticizing the plan, stating that it:
❌ Lacks a free highway alternative for drivers.
❌ Places an extra financial burden on working people.
❌ Prioritizes transit funding over highway infrastructure.
The program, which began on January 5, required most drivers to pay a $9 toll to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, with trucks and buses facing fees of up to $21.60.
Reactions from New Jersey Officials
Assemblyman Robert Auth thanked “President Trump for standing up for hard working New Jerseyans and putting a stop to this horrible Democrat policy!”
NJ State Senator Jon Bramnick Welcomes the Decision
New Jersey State Senator and Gubernatorial candidate Jon Bramnick applauded the move, stating:
“Balancing the MTA budget on the backs of hardworking New Jersey residents was always a flawed plan. I thank the Trump administration for recognizing the economic harm this placed on New Jersey commuters. As governor, I will work to secure federal funding for NJ’s infrastructure, including much-needed improvements to New Jersey Transit.”
Congressman Josh Gottheimer Declares Victory for Jersey Families
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) also celebrated the reversal:
“Today is a huge win for Jersey families, their wallets, and the environment. From day one, we knew the Congestion Tax was just a cash grab for New York and the MTA, with no regard for the impact on New Jersey commuters. Now, we can all breathe a sigh of relief!”
The Future of NYC’s Congestion Pricing
The toll program was expected to generate $500 million in its first year, helping secure $15 billion in debt financing for transit upgrades. Supporters argue that it:
✅ Cut commuting times by 10-30% on key crossings.
✅ Improved bus service in Manhattan.
✅ Increased subway ridership.
Despite these benefits, critics say the financial burden on drivers outweighed the advantages.
How Does NYC Compare to Other Cities?
Several global cities have implemented congestion pricing, including:
🌍 London – Charges £15 ($18.67) per day since 2003.
🌍 Singapore & Stockholm – Have similar toll programs to control traffic.
What’s Next?
With congestion pricing now on hold, the debate over New York’s traffic and transit funding continues. Will NYC find an alternative way to modernize its aging subway and bus systems? Or will congestion pricing make a return under a future administration?
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If the MTA needs money, they should go after the fare evaders who jump the turnstiles
How about having a DOGE type process to do a REAL audition of the MTA. It may be a bigger black hole than USAID itself. How many ppl work there and do nothing just because they fulfill a certain criteria? How about the management? That organization is a mammoth mess.
LONG LIVE THE KING!