President Trump is reportedly pushing to overturn New York City's congestion pricing scheme, arguing it's a 'scam' and poses safety risks. He claims the Federal Highway Administration has the authority to revoke approvals granted by the Biden administration, sparking a potential showdown with Governor Kathy Hochul, who supports the program. While Trump argues congestion pricing is disastrous and bike lanes dangerous, proponents highlight reduced traffic and improved commutes.
President Trump is reportedly moving closer to dismantling New York City 's congestion pricing scheme, but remains in active negotiations with Governor Kathy Hochul . While there's debate regarding Trump's ability to entirely scrap the controversial tolling program now that it's operational, he believes he can, potentially introducing a disruptive twist in the fate of the initiative intended to bolster the MTA .
Republican Representative Mike Lawler asserts that Trump intends to rescind congestion pricing. 'I've conversed with the president on multiple occasions regarding congestion pricing. He's emphatically conveyed his agreement with me that it's a disaster for New York, nothing more than a fraudulent scheme,' Lawler stated. Trump told the New York Post he would pursue this through the Department of Transportation. 'We've engaged with the Department of Transportation and continue these dialogues. I firmly believe the Federal Highway Administration possesses the authority to revoke the approvals. The Biden administration granted these approvals without conducting a comprehensive environmental review,' Lawler elaborated. Trump expressed hope that his discussions with Hochul would yield a mutually agreeable resolution. In a statement, a spokesperson for Hochul affirmed she has had 'several productive conversations' with President Trump, while emphasizing that congestion pricing is 'reducing traffic and enhancing commutes.' The effectiveness of congestion pricing is being contrasted with concerns about bike lanes, which Trump is also reportedly poised to eliminate. 'By appropriating valuable roadway, you're constricting lanes and compelling individuals into altered traffic patterns,' Lawler argued. Conversely, Ben Furnas of Transportation Alternatives underscored the benefits of bike lanes, stating, 'Bike lanes elevate street safety and facilitate commuting without relying on automobiles.' The MTA highlights statistics demonstrating the program's efficacy. At the end of January, the MTA unveiled data revealing reduced travel times for most drivers within the Congestion Relief Zone, alongside increased ridership on subways and buses. Inbound trips across all Hudson and East River crossings exhibited at least a 10% faster duration compared to January of the previous year, according to the MTA. The Holland Tunnel registered the most significant improvement, with a 48% reduction during the morning commute, while the Williamsburg and Queensboro bridges on the East Side experienced a 30% faster trip time. Officials assert that drivers on the Long Island Expressway, NJ 495, and Flatbush Avenue have also benefited from improved speeds.A Morning Consult poll of 1,200 registered voters indicated that 6 out of 10 New Yorkers favored the continuation of the controversial toll plan. 'On a 2-to-1 basis, New Yorkers are expressing that congestion pricing is functional. They're traversing faster, and there's less congestion,' stated Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City. Hochul stated she remains engaged in ongoing discussions with federal authorities in addition to President Trump.
Congestion Pricing New York City Donald Trump Kathy Hochul MTA Bike Lanes Transportation Federal Highway Administration
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