Manhattan’s $9 congestion toll remains in effect despite Trump administration’s deadline, causing continued frustration for commuters as legal battles unfold between federal officials and New York authorities.

At a Glance

• The Trump administration extended a deadline for New York to end its $9 congestion toll for Manhattan drivers by 30 days, but tolls continue despite the deadline passing.
• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy rescinded federal approval for the toll, calling it “a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners.”
• New York officials maintain the toll system will remain operational, with Governor Hochul’s office stating “the cameras are staying on.”
• The toll, America’s first congestion pricing scheme, has reportedly reduced vehicle traffic in central Manhattan by 13% since its January implementation.
• Legal challenges continue as New York has filed a lawsuit contesting the federal government’s authority to revoke the toll’s approval.

Federal Government’s Opposition to Manhattan Toll

The Trump administration has taken a firm stance against New York City’s congestion pricing program, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy rescinding federal approval for the $9 toll that affects drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street.

Despite setting an Easter Sunday deadline for New York to end the program, the toll remains in effect as state officials refuse to comply with federal demands. The administration later extended this deadline by 30 days to April 20, but even after this date passed, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) continues to collect fees using traffic cameras throughout the congestion zone.

Secretary Duffy has been vocal in his criticism of New York officials, stating in communications with state leadership that their “refusal to end cordon pricing and your open disrespect towards the federal government is unacceptable.”

The Trump administration views the toll as harmful to everyday Americans trying to navigate the nation’s largest city, with particular concern for small businesses and working-class commuters who must absorb these additional costs during their daily travel.

New York’s Defiance and Legal Response

New York officials have shown no indication of backing down despite federal pressure. The state has filed a lawsuit challenging the decision to rescind federal approval, arguing that the Trump administration lacks the authority to revoke permission for the program after it had been properly vetted and implemented. Governor Kathy Hochul has met with President Trump to discuss the toll, but these discussions have not resulted in any change to the state’s position that the program will continue operating.

“Nothing is going to change, and we are very confident that there won’t be a rollback of congestion pricing because the program stepped through every hoop on the way to getting that federal approval,” said Janno Lieber, MTA chairman.

The governor’s spokesperson, Avi Small, reinforced this position with a direct response to Secretary Duffy’s demands: “We’ve seen Secretary Duffy’s tweet, which doesn’t change what Governor Hochul has been saying all along: the cameras are staying on.” This defiant stance highlights the tension between state and federal authorities over urban transportation policy and funding mechanisms for public transit infrastructure.

Impact and Purpose of the Congestion Toll

Implemented on January 5, New York’s congestion toll represents the first such program in the United States, though similar systems exist in international cities like London, Stockholm, Milan, and Singapore. The toll varies by vehicle type and time of day, with passenger vehicles typically charged $9 during peak periods. This fee is in addition to existing bridge and tunnel tolls that many drivers already pay to enter Manhattan.

“In case there were any doubts, MTA, State and City reaffirmed in a court filing that congestion pricing is here to stay and that the arguments Secretary Duffy made trying to stop it have zero merit,” said John J. McCarthy, spokesperson for New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

According to MTA data, the program has already produced measurable effects, reducing vehicle entries into the congestion zone by approximately 13%. The authority projects the toll will generate around $500 million by year-end, with funds earmarked for transit system improvements throughout the city. Supporters point to improved commute times and reduced congestion as evidence of the program’s effectiveness, while opponents question whether these benefits justify the additional financial burden on drivers.

Political and Legal Implications

The standoff over Manhattan’s congestion toll highlights broader political tensions surrounding urban transportation policy. President Trump, whose properties stand within the congestion zone, has personally opposed the plan. Secretary Duffy has warned that the federal government will “not hesitate to use every tool at our disposal” to end the program, framing it as “elitist” policy that burdens ordinary Americans.

The legal battle continues as both sides remain entrenched in their positions. A federal judge previously dismissed lawsuits challenging the toll that argued for a more comprehensive environmental impact study, but new legal challenges focus on the authority of federal officials to revoke previously granted approvals. As commuters continue to pay the toll, the outcome of this dispute will likely have significant implications for future urban congestion management initiatives across the country.