U.S Department Of Transportation Has Pulled Their Approval Of The MTA’s Congestion Pricing Toll Program!

Noir Nation! We’ve got EXCELLENT news for tri-state commuters following breaking reports that the U.S. Department of Transportation has officially moved to pull their approval for the MTA’s congestion pricing toll program in New York City!

In a press release issued Wednesday afternoon (February 19), the DOT informed Gov. Kathy Hochul of their decision to rescind their previous agreement, reports ABC News.

“New York State’s congestion pricing plan is a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy

“Commuters using the highway system to enter New York City have already financed the construction and improvement of these highways through the payment of gas taxes and other taxes. But now the toll program leaves drivers without any free highway alternative, and instead, takes more money from working people to pay for a transit system and not highways. It’s backwards and unfair.”

Duffy continues, “The program also hurts small businesses in New York that rely on customers from New Jersey and Connecticut. Finally, it impedes the flow of commerce into New York by increasing costs for trucks, which in turn could make goods more expensive for consumer. Every American should be able to access New York City regardless of their economic means. It shouldn’t be reserved for an elite few.”

Duffy’s letter pinpoints further explanation to terminate the toll pricing program:

1.) The scope of the CBDTP is unprecedented and provides no toll-free option for many drivers who want or need to travel by vehicle in this major urbanized.

2.) The toll rate was set primarily to raise revenue for transit, rather than at an amount needed to reduce congestion.

The MTA toll pricing program initially debuted on January 5th, 2025, using license plate readers to implement a $9 charge to drivers entering Manhattan neighborhoods south of Central Park.

The program lumped together additional fees drivers were already paying to commute by bridges or tunnels.

It has been indicated that the average driver taking a tunnel from New Jersey during peak commuting hours would be subjected to paying $31.81, or at a discounted rate of $22.06 if they have a E-ZPass.

Sources state that the decision was pushed by the Trump administration and in response the State has made plans to fight their ruling in court.

“Public transit riders won congestion relief and are now enjoying faster and more reliable bus service from throughout New York and New Jersey,” said Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum.

“We organized for a decade, held two governors accountable, and prevailed in court in three states after years of exhaustive environmental studies. We are committed to maintaining and expanding on our victory and will defend it with everything we have.”

Noir Nation, let us know your thoughts on this in our comments below 👇🏿