A federal judge, in March, blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to halt New York’s congestion pricing toll. Lewis Liman, a U.S. district judge, ruled that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) lacked the authority to unilaterally rescind approval of the $9 toll, which was greenlighted by President Joe Biden.
The judge sided with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which argued that the USDOT’s reversal was “arbitrary and capricious” because it had not adequately explained its reasoning. In his 149-page ruling, Liman noted that New York’s legislature passed the toll, it was signed into law by the governor, and it received the necessary federal approvals before launching.
Liman previously dismissed a series of lawsuits brought by local opponents, including New Jersey’s governor, unionized teachers in New York City, a trucking industry group and local suburban leaders.
According to the recent MTA report, the toll has generated more than $550M in revenue for the cash-strapped agency. It has also led to some 27M fewer vehicles entering Manhattan, resulting in 22% less air pollution and 23% faster commute times. Sales tax revenues, office leases and foot traffic in the congestion zone have all increased since the toll took effect, disproving concerns it would hurt the local economy, according to the agency.
“The democratic process worked,” Liman wrote in his ruling, even as he left the door open for future attempts by Trump and other opponents to kill the program.
Source: The Guardian
