New York's congestion toll into Manhattan upheld by a federal judge over Trump's objections

"The Secretary's actions were arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of discretion, and not in accordance with law. The democratic process worked, even as he left the door open for future attempts by Trump and other opponents to kill the program, which took effect on Jan. 5, 2025."

"The judge's decision is clear: Donald Trump's unlawful attempts to trample on the self-governance of his home state have failed spectacularly. Congestion pricing is legal, it works, and it is here to stay."

"The U.S. Department of Transportation lacked the authority to unilaterally rescind approval of the $9 toll, which former Democratic President Joe Biden initially green-lit. Instead, he sided with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which had argued that the department's reversal was unlawful because the agency had not adequately explained its reasoning."

U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman ruled that the Trump administration's effort to cancel New York's congestion pricing program was unlawful and an abuse of discretion. The $9 toll, initially approved under President Biden, aims to reduce traffic and generate revenue for the region's transit system. The judge found that the Department of Transportation failed to adequately explain its reasoning for rescinding the approval. New York's legislature passed the toll, the governor signed it into law, and it received necessary federal approvals before launching in January 2025. Governor Hochul praised the decision, stating the program has reduced gridlock and unlocked critical transit funding. The Department of Transportation indicated it would review legal options, including appealing the ruling.

Read at News 12 - Default