Governor Kathy Hochul has vowed to defy the Trump administration’s directive to halt Manhattan’s controversial congestion pricing toll, calling it an overreach by federal authorities.
In a strong statement made Wednesday, Hochul said the state would not comply with the order, issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which demands that tolls on Federal-aid highways in the Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP) area cease by March 21, 2025.
The Trump administration’s letter, dated February 20, was sent just days after Hochul submitted a document to President Trump highlighting the success of the tolling program. Despite her efforts, the administration remains resolute in its stance against the toll, arguing it places unnecessary financial strain on commuters.
“The Trump administration is once again trying to overrule the will of New Yorkers,” Hochul wrote on social media, referring to the decision. “They’re about to find out what happens when you piss off 6 million New York commuters.”
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has stated that it will continue collecting the $9 toll until a court orders otherwise. The program has raised nearly $49 million so far, with much of the revenue aimed at addressing the city’s transportation and environmental challenges.
While the dispute continues to escalate, Trump has repeatedly criticized the congestion pricing plan, promising to end the toll if re-elected.
