On March 20, the Trump administration announced that it is extending its March 21 deadline by 30 days, giving the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) more time to shut down congestion pricing while negotiations with Gov. Kathy Hochul continue. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that the administration is extending the deadline in the hopes of reaching some sort of compromise – even as Duffy reiterated his demand for New York to end the toll, which charges motorists entering Manhattan below 60th Street.
Hochul and MTA leadership have fiercely defended the toll and its early impact on reducing traffic and speeding up commutes. New York state filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke federal approval for the program, saying it will not turn off congestion pricing unless directed by a federal judge to do so.
“The status quo remains, which means everyone can continue to expect less traffic, faster commutes, and safer streets in Manhattan,” said John McCarthy, MTA chief of policy and external relations. “As we’ve said, there was an exhaustive study, projected benefits were right, and we can’t go back to gridlock.”
Source: Crain’s New York Business
