New York Governor Kathy Hochul shared that during a private meeting at the White House, she informed President Donald Trump that the congestion pricing tolls in New York City are essential and proving effective. However, she predicted that the legal system will likely have the final say on the matter.
Recently, Trump withdrew federal backing for the program, which imposes a toll on drivers entering specific areas of Manhattan.
While Hochul acknowledged it remains uncertain whether her arguments will influence Trump’s stance, she emphasized in an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation that the decision on the tolls should rest with New York. Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey, a fellow Democrat, opposed the program and sought to block it in court, even going so far as to send a letter to Trump urging him to cancel the initiative.
Hochul, expressing respect but firm opposition to New Jersey’s position, stated, “With all due respect to the state of New Jersey, they do not tell us in New York what to do, nor does Washington when it comes to policies that we believe are going to reduce congestion.” She highlighted the positive changes since the tolling was implemented in January, pointing to faster response times for emergency vehicles and improved air quality. “So, I have arguments that are important, but no one else should be able to second guess us because that’s not how our system of laws and states was set up.”
When asked about the potential for the program’s fate to be determined by the courts, Hochul confidently replied, “Oh yes, it’s going to the courts. And I believe we will be victorious in the courts, and this program will continue.”
On Wednesday, the Trump administration took action to halt the congestion pricing initiative, which had begun on January 5. The program aimed to reduce traffic congestion and generate revenue for public transportation by charging a $9 toll for vehicles entering Manhattan south of Central Park. Transit officials reported modest but noticeable reductions in traffic volumes since the toll was introduced.
The former president, whose prominent properties, including Trump Tower, are located within the congestion pricing zone, had vowed to end the program as soon as he assumed office. He declared his victory in halting the plan through a post on his Truth Social platform after the announcement from the Department of Transportation.
Hochul and Trump spent over an hour in the Oval Office on Friday afternoon, where the governor presented a booklet highlighting the early successes of the congestion pricing program. In addition to this discussion, they addressed various other topics, including immigration, infrastructure, economic development, energy, offshore wind, and nuclear power, according to Hochul’s press secretary, Avi Small.
Hochul, who has indicated that she believes there are areas where she and Trump could collaborate, confirmed that they did not touch on the ongoing legal issues facing New York City Mayor Eric Adams. A federal judge had recently dismissed Adams’ corruption trial but appointed special counsel to oversee the Justice Department’s controversial decision to drop charges against the mayor.
The governor criticized the Trump administration for its actions, accusing it of creating a perception of “holding the city hostage” and “trying to create chaos” by interfering in the Adams case.
{Matzav.com}