A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order barring the Trump administration from cutting off funds tied to New York City’s congestion pricing program, preserving the $9 toll at 60th Street through at least June 9.
The ruling came Tuesday at the conclusion of a hearing in Manhattan federal court, where Judge Lewis J. Liman sided with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in its request to block threats from Washington.
The legal action follows repeated warnings by Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who in recent weeks has threatened to revoke federal approval for the tolling plan unless the MTA scraps it entirely.
In its request for a preliminary injunction, the MTA argued that the congestion pricing scheme has already produced early signs of success, noting a 12% drop in vehicle traffic in lower Manhattan since the policy took effect on January 5. The agency emphasized that the measure enjoys broad public support.
Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has taken aim at New York’s transportation initiatives, warning state officials and MTA leadership that federal support for projects like the Second Avenue Subway extension could be withdrawn if the tolling program remains in place.
The MTA board is expected to meet Wednesday to review the court order and discuss the latest developments regarding the future of congestion pricing.
