Trump Administration Extends Deadline by 30 Days for NYC’s Congestion Toll for Manhattan Drivers

March 21, 2025 TruthUSA

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the extension will provide officials with additional time to engage in discussions regarding the program.

The Trump administration disclosed on March 20 its decision to extend the deadline given to New York City last month, which called for the termination of its $9 congestion pricing program for drivers entering specific areas of Manhattan.

In February, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration revoked approval of the program and instructed the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)—responsible for operating the city’s subways, buses, and regional rail networks—to cease toll collection from drivers entering Manhattan by March 21.

However, in a statement on the social media platform X, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the federal government is extending the original deadline by 30 days as discussions are ongoing.

Duffy also criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

“Your refusal to abolish cordon pricing and your blatant disregard for the federal government is unacceptable,” he asserted.

“Similar to your exorbitant tolls and the absence of a free road alternative, which insult hardworking Americans, your rejection of two crucial pipelines aimed at reducing fuel costs by 50% contradicts the public’s best interests.

“Your illegal pricing scheme penalizes working-class citizens for using roads financed by their federal tax money.

“Understand that the billions of dollars sent from the federal government to New York are not a blank check. Continued noncompliance will be taken seriously.”

The congestion pricing program was implemented in New York City on January 5, in addition to existing tolls that drivers incur while crossing bridges and tunnels into Manhattan.

Hochul’s administration states that the program is designed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and generate significant new revenue for the city’s struggling transit system.

Under the program, drivers operating passenger and small commercial vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours—from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends—are subjected to a standard fee of $9. During non-peak hours, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends, this toll decreases to $2.25.

Motorcycles are charged $4.50 during peak times and $1.05 overnight.

For small trucks and certain buses, the toll is set at $14.40 during peak hours and $3.60 during non-peak times, while large trucks and tour buses will incur a charge of $21.60 during peak hours and $5.40 overnight.

The program offers some fare discounts to low-income drivers and faced opposition from the Trump administration due to concerns about its effects on working-class Americans and small businesses.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) also requested the program’s cessation, citing worries over its implications for New Jersey commuters.

Despite these apprehensions, the MTA has stated its intention to maintain the congestion pricing plan. Last month, it initiated a lawsuit against the Transportation Department’s decision to terminate the program, claiming the action is unlawful.

Shortly after Duffy’s statement, Hochul responded on X to reaffirm her position, reposting a communication that she had originally shared on the platform in February after the Transportation Department rescinded federal approval for the program.

“The cameras will remain operational,” her post indicated, seemingly alluding to the system of traffic cameras used to track tolls charged to drivers in the congestion zone.

Avi Small, a spokesperson for Hochul’s office, dismissed the extended deadline in a statement to the press.

“We have seen Secretary Duffy’s tweet, which does not alter Governor Hochul’s consistent message: the cameras remain operational,” Small stated.

Michael Washburn and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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