NEW YORK \u2013 Governor Kathy Hochul took a well-deserved victory lap on Tuesday after a federal judge blocked President Donald Trump\u2019s efforts to stop New York City\u2019s congestion pricing.<\/p>\n
However, the first-in-the-nation plan, created to reduce traffic and provide revenue for the Metropolitan Transit Authority\u2019s slumping transit system, still has its critics.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remain opposed to congestion pricing,\u201d Senator Rob Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie) said. \u201cIt\u2019s simply not fair to Hudson Valley commuters and businesses, especially families in Orange County and across our region who don\u2019t even have a continuous, single-seat rail option into New York City but are still expected to pay more.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s ruling is disappointing for Hudson Valley commuters,\u201d added Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne. \u201cThis congestion tax unfairly targets working families and businesses who have little choice but to drive into New York City. I\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s first 11 months and reduced traffic by 11%.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe judge\u2019s decision is clear: Donald Trump\u2019s unlawful attempts to trample on the self-governance of his home state have failed spectacularly,\u201d Hochul said. \u201cCongestion pricing is legal, it works, and it is here to stay. The cameras are staying on.\u201d<\/p>\n
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