The Trump Administration Is Moving to End New York’s Congestion Pricing Program

“Every American should be able to access New York City regardless of their economic means,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.

Congestion pricing sign in New York City.

NDZ/STAR MAX/IPx via AP

The Department of Transportation on Wednesday rescinded a key approval for New York City’s congestion pricing plan, setting the stage for a legal fight over the state-run program.

“New York State’s congestion pricing plan is a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a release announcing the planned termination of congestion pricing. “Every American should be able to access New York City regardless of their economic means.”

The federal government’s rollback of its approval for the tolls will land in the courts, with the Metropolitan Transit Authority filing a lawsuit in federal court in an attempt to keep congestion pricing running.