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Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration Lacked Authority to End NYC Congestion Pricing

The opinion concludes the transportation secretary exceeded his legal authority, leaving the program in place.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman issued a 149-page decision vacating Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s February 19 and April 21 letters that sought to terminate New York’s congestion pricing, calling the actions arbitrary and capricious.
  • The ruling restores New York and the MTA to their position before the attempted termination and allows tolling to continue for vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street.
  • Approved in 2024 under the federal Value Pricing Pilot Program, the toll launched in January 2025 with a roughly $9 daytime base charge dedicated to funding transit improvements.
  • MTA-reported first-year outcomes include hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue—over $550 million—along with fewer vehicle entries, measurable pollution reductions, and faster driving times within the zone.
  • The Transportation Department said it disagrees with the decision and is reviewing legal options, including an appeal through the Justice Department.