A Federal judge has stopped the U.S. Department of Transportation from punishing New York for its congestion toll, securing a temporary win for Governor Hochul and the MTA’s funding plan. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

A Federal judge has stopped the U.S. Department of Transportation from punishing New York for its congestion toll, securing a temporary win for Governor Hochul and the MTA’s funding plan

Judge Lewis Liman issued the order on May 27, prohibiting Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy from cutting off approvals or highway funds in retaliation against the congestion pricing program.

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Duffy issued the threat on April 21, saying New York could lose federal highway funding unless Governor Hochul abandoned the plan. He claimed tolling federally funded roads was illegal under U.S. law.

But the Biden administration had already approved the toll plan in November 2024, granting New York an exemption to reduce traffic and pollution in Manhattan’s central district.

Soon after the second Trump administration took office, Duffy reversed the policy and told Hochul he would shut down the toll program. The state quickly responded by filing a federal lawsuit.

Federal judge sides with New York against federal pressure

The Federal judge ruled that the USDOT could not withhold support while the legal case moves forward. His decision protects state authority and prevents disruption to a critical transit revenue stream.

Hochul praised the ruling and reaffirmed her commitment to local control. “New Yorkers deserve to manage traffic, fight gridlock, and protect our clean air,” she stated following the court order.

Federal judge ruling preserves MTA funding pathway

New York’s congestion pricing plan supports the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s long-term infrastructure investments. It’s expected to generate billions of dollars to modernize subways and buses.

While the legal fight isn’t over, the court’s decision gives state officials time to defend the tolling policy in full trial. For now, the MTA can continue preparing the rollout.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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