Judge Upholds New York Congestion Toll
Judge Lewis Liman ruled the DOT's attempt to rescind New York's $9 congestion toll unlawful, preserving revenue raised for transit while the department considers an appeal.
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Overview
Federal Judge Lewis Liman ruled that the U.S. Department of Transportation lacked authority to rescind federal approval of New York's congestion toll and found the department's actions arbitrary and capricious.
Secretary Sean Duffy rescinded federal approval in February 2025, prompting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to sue.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the ruling vindicates the program and declared, 'congestion pricing is legal, it works, and it is here to stay.'
The $9 toll has generated more than $550 million in revenue for the region's transit system, the MTA said.
The U.S. Department of Transportation said it is reviewing legal options, including appealing the ruling.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a clear political victory for the state and a rebuke of the Trump administration. Editorial choices—charged verbs (like "kill"), victory language ("handing a major victory"), and headlines that personalize the outcome—foreground the state and court ruling while downplaying or marginalizing federal justifications.
FAQ
Secretary Duffy attempted to rescind federal approval in February 2025 as part of the Trump administration's effort to end congestion pricing, which the President had campaigned against. Trump claimed Manhattan had become a "ghost town" due to the toll and directed Duffy to "take a good, long look at terminating" the program.[4] However, the specific legal or policy rationale Duffy provided for the rescission was not detailed in available sources.
The $9 congestion toll has generated more than $550 million in revenue for the region's transit system.[5] The MTA projects the toll will provide $15 billion in funding for transit investments over its lifetime.[1] These funds support public transportation improvements throughout the region.
Yes, congestion pricing has achieved its environmental and traffic reduction goals. According to the MTA, approximately 87,000 fewer cars each day are entering the congestion zone—a 12% reduction from when the program started.[4] A Cornell University study documented a 22% drop in air pollution within the congestion pricing zone.[4] Additionally, the program has contributed to increased vehicle travel speeds in the zone.
The Department of Transportation indicated it is reviewing legal options, including appealing Judge Liman's ruling.[5] If DOT appeals, the case would proceed through the appeals process, potentially extending the legal uncertainty. However, Judge Liman's preliminary injunction issued in May 2025 had already kept congestion pricing intact and prevented federal punitive action against New York until a final court ruling.[4]
Yes, the congestion toll is scheduled to increase incrementally. The toll will increase to $12 in 2028 and then to $15 in 2031.[3] These planned increases are expected to generate additional revenue for transit investments and potentially boost traffic speed gains by one to two percentage points with each increase.[5]
