Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a warning to New York Governor Kathy Hochul regarding the state’s congestion pricing toll. In a letter obtained by Fox News, Duffy stated that New York risks facing significant consequences if the toll is not ended by May 21. The letter provided New York an additional month to either stop the toll or justify its legality, as failure to comply could result in the loss of federal funding and approvals for certain projects from the Federal Highway Administration.
Duffy emphasized the substantial financial support the federal government provides to New York but indicated that this would cease if the state continued with what he termed an illegal toll designed to compensate for the budget deficits of New York’s transit system. He extended an ultimatum, offering New York one final opportunity to either reverse its actions or demonstrate their legality.
Initially, Duffy gave New York until March 21 to cease the toll, but the deadline was extended to April 20 following a legal challenge from the state’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Proponents of the congestion pricing toll argue that it is intended to reduce the gridlock that plagues Manhattan. The toll cost varies based on the vehicle type and time of day, with most passenger cars required to pay $9 to access Manhattan south of Central Park during peak weekday and weekend periods.
Governor Kathy Hochul has previously expressed her determination to support the congestion pricing toll program. President Donald Trump, however, has declared an intention to discontinue the program. Governor Hochul, who has met with Trump to discuss the program, has reiterated her commitment to maintaining it.
