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President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate New York City's congestion pricing program once he takes office next week. Over the weekend, Trump met with Hudson Valley Congressman Mike Lawler and Staten Island Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, both of whom oppose the new tolling system. The program, which began just over a week ago, charges drivers a $9 fee to enter Manhattan below 60th Street.
Trump's commitment to ending the program was confirmed by Malliotakis, who stated, "He wants to kill it." Lawler echoed this sentiment, saying they would work with Trump's administration to find a way to dismantle the tolls. However, experts suggest that only Congress has the power to stop the program.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reports that since the implementation of congestion pricing, buses, including those from New Jersey, have experienced faster morning and evening commutes. Despite this, Trump and his Republican allies plan to leverage their congressional majority to repeal the tolls.
According to the New York Post, Trump also supports raising the cap on state and local tax deductions, known as the SALT cap. Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul remains skeptical of Trump's intentions, suggesting he might support the tax.
The Federal Highway Administration authorized the program, and any legislative action to overturn it would require bipartisan support. Some Congressional Democrats from New Jersey, who oppose the tolls, might join the effort.