President Donald Trump’s renewed push to end the Manhattan congestion charge is resurfacing as a major political issue.
On the 3rd, President Trump instructed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to “thoroughly and carefully consider ways to end the Manhattan congestion charge.” He added, “The congestion charge is turning New York City into a ghost town.” Ending the Manhattan congestion charge was one of his key campaign promises, and immediately after taking office, Trump issued an executive order declaring war on New York State. However, the congestion charge escalated into a legal battle when the New York State government and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) responded with a lawsuit.
The Southern District of New York federal court granted President Trump’s request for an injunction in May, giving New York a resounding victory in the first legal battle. However, President Trump announced his intention to renew his bid to suspend the Manhattan congestion charge a day before the New York City mayoral election, and the Department of Transportation is expected to release a countermeasure plan soon, raising attention.
According to New York Governor Kathy Hokul’s office, traffic flow and foot traffic have increased south of 60th Street since the congestion charge was implemented. In fact, Broadway show attendance increased by 19% in the first two months of this year compared to the previous year, and as of July, commercial vehicle travel times were faster on 44% of Manhattan roadways between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Transportation advocates also stated, “We still don’t know when the lawsuit between the federal government and the MTA will end,” adding, “However, thanks to a federal court ruling last May, the congestion charge will remain in effect, saving New Yorkers precious time by alleviating traffic congestion.”