Judge rejects key arguments against NYC congestion toll
By: Colleen Wilson
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... A New York federal judge dismissed several arguments made in four different cases filed to block New York City's congestion pricing toll, giving a boost to proponents of the tolling plan.
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Out of 20 arguments against the toll program across the four cases, Judge Lewis Liman dismissed all but five. These remaining have to do with arguments that federal environmental law was violated.
..... Some of the counts dismissed were without prejudice, which means they could be considered if framed a different way in an amended complaint.
..... The lawsuit were brought mostly by New York residents and the Trucking Association of New York.
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However, the case considered the most consequential was filed by the Metropolitan Transpiration Authority, which has sued the trump administration for attempting to kill the tolling program, which charges cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street with a $9 toll at peak hours. The program attempts to reduce Manhattan traffic, improve the city's air quality, and fund the MTA's public transportation system. Meanwhile, a federal judge in New Jersey where Governor Phil Murphy has sued to kill congestion pricing - has already largely sided against the Garden State and allowed the program to begin January 5. [2205]
..... Since its state, the MTA reported that congestion is down about 10% in lower Manhattan, buses and vehicles are traveling faster through the zone and notorious traffic-clogged tunnels, reports of honking are down substantially and traffic-related injuries in the zone are down.