Marc Molinaro, a former Republican congressman from New York and a vocal opponent of congestion pricing, is being considered for the role of administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), sources familiar with the discussions have revealed. The FTA, a key division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, oversees public transit systems nationwide and manages billions in federal grants annually.
While no official announcement has been made, Molinaro’s potential appointment would align him closely with top officials in the Department of Transportation, influencing decisions on transit funding and policies. His nomination is expected to follow the Senate’s review of Sean Duffy, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the department.
Notably, Molinaro has been an outspoken critic of New York’s congestion pricing plan, which imposes a daytime toll on vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The policy, championed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), is designed to raise $15 billion for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
Recently, Molinaro joined other Republican leaders in urging the Trump administration to block the tolling program in Manhattan, describing it as a burden on commuters. “The MTA needs reform, not more cash grabs from hardworking New Yorkers and New Jerseyans,” he wrote on social media. President Trump has recently echoed these sentiments, labeling the tolls a “business killer” and criticizing their potential economic impact on New York.
Molinaro began his political career at the age of 18 as a village trustee in Dutchess County. Over the years, he served in the New York State Assembly and as Dutchess County executive before representing New York’s Hudson Valley in Congress. In 2018, he ran unsuccessfully for governor against Andrew Cuomo. Despite losing his re-election bid for Congress last year, Molinaro has remained a prominent voice on transportation and infrastructure issues.
If appointed to the FTA, Molinaro would oversee the distribution of federal grants, a role that could significantly impact transit agencies like the MTA, which depend heavily on federal funding for major projects. The FTA has already allocated billions to the MTA for initiatives such as the Second Avenue Subway expansion and the East Side Access project, which brought Long Island Rail Road trains to Grand Central Terminal.
Molinaro has frequently criticized the MTA’s handling of large-scale projects, highlighting delays and cost overruns. The East Side Access project, for example, exceeded its original budget by billions and faced decades of delays. “We can achieve world-class infrastructure without the world’s highest costs,” Molinaro argued.
The MTA’s current five-year capital plan, valued at $65 billion, relies heavily on federal funding. Advocates are closely watching Molinaro’s potential appointment, as his leadership could shape the future of transit funding and oversight.
Despite his opposition to congestion pricing, Molinaro has garnered support from some labor leaders. John Samuelsen, president of the Transport Workers Union, praised his understanding of public transit’s role in New York and his willingness to engage with unions. “He knows the issues and values the importance of transit for working people,” Samuelsen said.
The MTA, meanwhile, expressed hope for a collaborative relationship with the new administration. “Transit funding is critical for New York, which moves nearly half of all U.S. mass transit riders,” said MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick. “We’re optimistic about working with federal appointees to secure the necessary resources.”
