No congestion relief this spring
Deal keeps pricing plan in place through summer
By: Manshil Ahmad
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Manhattan's congestion pricing program will remain in effect through the fall [2025] under an agreement between the Trump administration and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, multiple reports say.
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The deal, submitted Friday [04/04/2025] to U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman and made public Monday, [04/07/2025] outlines a schedule that pushes any potential ruling on the controversial toll program to at least midsummer. [2025] Legal filings show that further motions from both sides could extend the case into October. [2025]
..... The U.S. department of Transpiration told the MTA it does not intend to seek an injunction to halt the program before the judge rule, reports said.
..... New Jersey officials have been among the most vocal opponent of the tolling plan, arguing that it disproportionately burdens Grade State commuters - it costs an additional $9 to drive into Midtown Manhattan at peak hours, Governor Phil Murphy had led the charge, suing the MTA of using the toll revenue to plug finical holes rather than improve regional transit.
..... "Every day that congestion pricing continues in Manhattan's central business district is another day that hardworking New Jerseyans are unfairly tolled to line the pockets of the mismanaged MTA," Murphy said in March. [2025] "New Jersey appreciates and continue to support the Federal Highway administration;s decision to rescind its approval of the program and encourages the immediate termination of congestion pricing."
..... In a letter to President Donald Trump earlier this year, [2025] Murphy said, "I welcome nay opportunity to work with you and your administration where we can find common ground."
..... The congestion pricing system began in early January, [2025] charing most drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. The system marked a major change for New Jersey commuters who regularly drove into the city. But its future was cast into doubt in February, [2025] when Trump said he would revoke federal approval for the program.
..... The MTA has defended the plan as critical to funding transit improvements and reducing traffic in Manhattan's business corridors. Critics, including the Trump administration, have raised concerns about economic impacts and equity for commuters from outer boroughs and surrounding suburbs.
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A final decision on the program's legality is not expected until after the summer, [2025] with both sides due to submit additional legal arguments.