Just a few days into his second term and Donald Trump may reopen the debate on the future of congestion pricing in New York city. The newly elected president’s promise to end this system, though still pending, fuels doubts and political tensions on both a local and national scale.
During his campaign, Trump was vocal about his opposition to New York City’s congestion pricing plan. He has referred to it as a “disaster for NYC” and a “massive business killer and tax on New Yorkers.” Trump pledged to terminate the congestion pricing plan during his first week back in office, yet despite the statements made at that time, the Republican administration has yet to take concrete action, leaving many questions open about the future of New York’s transportation system.
The tolls, introduced on January 5 with federal approval, have become an essential source of funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s construction plan. The MTA aims to raise $15 billion to repair and modernize the infrastructure that allows millions of people to commute every day. However, it is unclear whether the GOP leader has the power to cancel this provision through an executive order, or if legislative intervention from Congress is needed, as suggested by some local political figures.
Some industry experts warn that the MTA must quickly demonstrate the program’s effectiveness by highlighting its benefits to the entire population, not just those living or working in the city center. Nicole Gelinas, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, emphasized how the initial success of the tolls, which some studies claim has reduced travel time in urban traffic, should be better publicized to avoid political interference.
Even without direct intervention on the tolls, the Trump administration could hinder New York’s infrastructure projects, as happened during his first term. While funding for crucial projects like the Gateway Project and the Second Avenue subway extension has been secured under President Biden, other already planned works could now be at risk. These include repairs to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the proposed Interborough Express light rail line, both tied to federal funding still under negotiation.
Jon Orcutt, director of Bike New York, noted that the new MTA five-year plan, which assumes $14 billion in investments, could face difficulties if the government decides to reduce support. Funds from the bipartisan infrastructure law pushed by outgoing Democratic President Biden are set to run out by 2026, raising questions about the financial coverage for future projects.
MTA President Janno Lieber, although avoiding direct criticism of Trump, highlighted the importance of public transportation for the economy of the “city that never sleeps” and, by extension, for the entire country.
New York Congressman Mike Lawler, on the other hand, expressed the belief that the Biden administration had not conducted a full environmental review of congestion pricing, leaving the possibility open for intervention by the Federal Highway Administration. Such a scenario could reignite the political clash between New York and Washington, with potentially devastating consequences for the city’s infrastructure future.
In the meantime, data shows that more and more people are relying on public transportation. Subway ridership has increased by 7.8% compared to the previous year, while bus ridership has risen by 4%. The effects of congestion pricing are also reflected in travel times: the Lincoln Tunnel and the Queensboro Bridge report significant improvements, with faster crossings compared to the past.
