New York City is getting rid of its $9 congestion toll. This pilot program, which started earlier in the year with support from President Biden, will soon end. Drivers no longer need to pay to go into Manhattan’s Central Business District below 60th Street.
Former President Trump celebrated this change, declaring on Truth Social, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED.” The toll had faced backlash and was initially set at $15 before being paused and then reduced during an election period.
Advocates believed the toll would help cut pollution and traffic. It was also meant to support the struggling bus and subway systems. However, many people argued that it hurt those relying on vehicles, especially with ongoing safety concerns in public transit, including increased crime on the subway.
Older and disabled individuals, who may not use public transport, faced unfair burdens. Helping a friend or family member by driving them could lead to an extra charge. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted that the toll was unfair to hardworking families and small businesses who already pay taxes for road upkeep.
The goal of the toll seemed misaligned. Instead of improving road conditions, it aimed to fund public transit systems, which are facing declines in ridership and significant financial losses. In the past year, New York’s transportation authority saw a staggering $200 million loss and is expected to lose even more in the coming years.
Critics also pointed out that there was no assurance that the toll would provide better transit services. The Transport Workers Union stood to benefit, as their members would likely keep their jobs if the toll continued. They invested heavily in political donations, supporting various New York politicians in recent elections.
While access to driving in the city can be challenging, the problem of congestion in New York is partly of its own making. Urban development has often added infrastructure aimed at slowing vehicle traffic, like bike lanes and traffic lights. If city leaders wanted to lessen traffic jams, they could prioritize smoother road flow and charge for curbside parking. This could help keep delivery spaces available and reduce double-parking issues.
New York has seen a population decline, losing more than half a million residents between 2020 and 2023. Rather than addressing the underlying issues, the city introduced a new toll that might have driven even more people away. In light of this, many might feel thankful for the decision to scrap the congestion charge, viewing it as a relief from bureaucratic overreach.
Diana Furchtgott-Roth is the director of the Center for Energy, Climate and Environment at The Heritage Foundation.
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New York, congestion charge, Donald Trump, New York State, Sean Duffy, CONGESTION PRICING
