Trump administration will not challenge congestion toll if New York State fails to meet deadline, according to court filings.
The U.S. Department of Transportation, under Secretary Sean Duffy, has indicated it will not pursue legal action against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) if the agency fails to meet a deadline regarding the controversial congestion pricing program in New York. Recent court documents highlight this development, coinciding with Duffy’s public criticism of Governor Kathy Hochul and assertions regarding federal funding for the transit authority.
The filings reveal ongoing dialogue between attorneys for the MTA and federal government representatives. Roberta Kaplan, representing the MTA, disclosed that she had been in discussions concerning the timing for the case, which is being reviewed by federal judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan. This communication included inquiries about the federal government’s intentions beyond the existing deadline of April 20 concerning the tolling program, to which federal representatives responded that they do not currently plan to seek preliminary injunctive relief.
Despite possible non-compliance with the deadlines established by Duffy, the federal government seems poised to refrain from initiating litigation to invalidate the tolling initiative prior to the resolution of this legal matter. A proposed timeline for the proceedings indicates that the case could extend into October, raising questions about the federal government’s legal standing to revoke previously granted authorizations for the congestion pricing scheme.
Duffy initiated the push to terminate the pricing program back in February, asserting that his department had rescinded authorization granted by the Biden administration. This declaration prompted an immediate lawsuit from the MTA, claiming that such an action requires state-level endorsement, which Duffy does not possess. A subsequent directive demanded the cessation of toll collection by March 21, but his ultimatum was later extended by 30 days to April 20.
Within this context, Duffy has also threatened significant cuts to federal funding for the MTA, which receives approximately billion annually. He has linked this funding threat to his concerns over perceived crime rates in the subway system, even as statistics indicate a decrease in criminal activity.
Moreover, Kaplan asserted that Duffy’s remarks suggest an intent to leverage federal funds as a means of compelling state compliance, mirroring tactics employed in other political disputes. She emphasized that the MTA and other relevant state entities are prepared to defend their rights should the federal government attempt to retaliate against them for pursuing this legal action.
This ongoing legal and political conflict underscores the complexities of transportation policy and governance within New York and the state’s relationship with federal authorities, as the fate of the congestion pricing initiative remains uncertain amid shifting deadlines and continued assertions of state versus federal power.
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