New York City’s congestion pricing toll pulled in $159 million in the first three months of the program, according to Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) data released in late April – even as the Trump administration continues its push to end the program. Claiming the toll is “illegal,” the Trump administration gave the MTA a May 21 deadline to shutter the program, or the U.S. Department of Transportation will stop granting authorizations on certain infrastructure projects and may consider withholding federal funds.
MTA officials insist the agency won’t stop charging the toll unless it’s forced to by a court order. The MTA estimates the tolls will raise $500 million this year and plans to borrow against the revenue to raise $15 billion to upgrade infrastructure. So far, the fee has eased congestion in parts of Manhattan, according to the MTA, which has data showing 5.8 million fewer vehicles entered the tolled area during the first three months of the program.
Source: Crain’s New York Business
