NEW YORK – Governor Kathy Hochul took a well-deserved victory lap on Tuesday after a federal judge blocked President Donald Trump’s efforts to stop New York City’s congestion pricing.

However, the first-in-the-nation plan, created to reduce traffic and provide revenue for the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s slumping transit system, still has its critics.

“I remain opposed to congestion pricing,” Senator Rob Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie) said. “It’s simply not fair to Hudson Valley commuters and businesses, especially families in Orange County and across our region who don’t even have a continuous, single-seat rail option into New York City but are still expected to pay more.”

“Today’s ruling is disappointing for Hudson Valley commuters,” added Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne. “This congestion tax unfairly targets working families and businesses who have little choice but to drive into New York City. I’ve said from the beginning this policy shifts the financial burden onto suburban residents without fixing the root causes of congestion. I will continue advocating for fairness for Putnam County commuters.”

A ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Liman permits the tolls, implemented with approval during the Joe Biden administration, to remain in effect. Separate challenges filed by other opponents, including the State of New Jersey, are still pending.

The MTA launched the congestion pricing program last January and received plenty of scrutiny. During peak times, drivers with an E-ZPass are charged $9 to enter Manhattan under 60th Street, and $2.25 during non-peak times. After Trump took office, the United States Department of Transportation ordered a halt to the tolls or risk losing federal funds.

Liman had temporarily blocked federal action, allowing tolling to continue during the case. The MTA said it has collected $518 million in the congestion pricing’s first 11 months and reduced traffic by 11%.

“The judge’s decision is clear: Donald Trump’s unlawful attempts to trample on the self-governance of his home state have failed spectacularly,” Hochul said. “Congestion pricing is legal, it works, and it is here to stay. The cameras are staying on.”