Federal judge sets traffic congestion price in New York Interpretation will vary between parties.

A federal judge issued a partial decision Monday in a battle between New York and New Jersey over New York City’s controversial congestion pricing issue. It found that the Empire State took most of the necessary steps in formulating a plan to collect tolls from drivers entering midtown Manhattan.

The judge overseeing this case U.S. District Court Judge Leo M. Gordon, also known as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), reviews and explains certain aspects of the congestion pricing program.

While Gordon asked for more information from FHWA, he did not specify whether the project should proceed as planned on Jan. 1, Nov. 5, 2025.

Despite this Officials from New York and New Jersey claimed victory after Gordon issued his decision.

BMTA Board approves Democratic government HOCHUL’S MASSIVE NYC CONGESTION toll pricing reboot

FILE – Traffic enters lower Manhattan after crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in New York. New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, delays implementation of plans to Charge motorists with hefty tolls to enter the heart of Manhattan. indefinitely delayed Just a few weeks before the system The country’s first “congestion pricing” system will be launched. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

“The project will continue this weekend,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) President and CEO Janno Lieber also weighed in, saying the MTA was “pleased” with Gordon’s decision.

“We are pleased that Judge Gordon agreed with the New York federal court on nearly every issue. and rejects New Jersey’s claim that the environmental assessment approved 18 months ago was insufficient,” Lieber said. “Bottom line: The decision was made not to disrupt the scheduled implementation of the project this coming Sunday, January 5th. Among the remaining two issues, the judge asked the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to provide additional information – information not yet available to the court. In doing this We are confident that subsequent action by the federal government will take place. Including approval of revised and reduced toll rates. make those problems solved.”

New York DEM Governor Pauses Congestion Pricing Plan Indefinitely make various parties above the climate

UNITED STATES – MARCH 1: MTA President and CEO Janno Lieber talks to the media during a break from a public hearing on congestion pricing on Friday, March 1, 2024, in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams of NY Daily News via Getty Images)

Even though Hochul and the MTA declared victory in congestion pricing, But New Jersey attorney Randy Mastro interpreted Gordon’s decision differently, with congestion rates being put on hold pending further clarification from federal officials.

“We welcome the court’s decision today in the congestion pricing litigation. Due to New Jersey litigation The judge issued a remand order and the MTA cannot proceed with the current congestion pricing proposal on January 5, 2025,” Mastro said. “The judge ruled that the Federal Highway Administration Arbitrary and capricious in approving the MTA’s plans, FHWA’s decision does not provide a reasonable explanation of its mitigation obligations. New York significantly changes its tolling program after receiving federal approval. and additional consideration This is required before the current congestion pricing proposal can take effect.

“New Jersey remains staunchly opposed to any such attempt. whatever it takes to force through congestion pricing proposals in the final weeks of the Biden administration,” he added. “There has never been a worse time to introduce a new $9 bill, increasing over time to $15, for individuals traveling into downtown Manhattan for work, school or pleasure.”

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FILE – Pedestrians cross Delancey Street as traffic slows from Brooklyn into Manhattan over the Williamsburg Bridge on March 28, 2019 in New York. New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday. June 5, 2024 Indefinitely postpones implementation of plan to impose mass tolls on motorists entering downtown Manhattan. Just a few weeks before the system The country’s first “congestion pricing” system will be launched. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

According to the judge’s decision, FHWA has until January 1, September 17, 2025 to provide feedback.

Last month, the MTA approved Hochul’s congestion pricing in a 12-1 vote.

Congestion pricing will begin in January. and determine video-enforced toll rates on newly built gantry around downtown traffic moving under 60th Street and Central Park and entering from New Jersey, Brooklyn or Queens. Except for passing the RFK Triboro Bridge and George Washington Bridge, tolls will apply.

Hochul previously said she would like to see a slightly lower price point of $15, or about $9, citing inflation. And Lieber suggested he’s open to seeing whether lower tolls can achieve the same revenue goals.

The MTA ultimately agreed to a phased congestion pricing plan. This will result in Manhattan drivers being hit by higher tolls by 2031.

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President-elect Trump has expressed his intention to repeal congestion pricing when he returns to the Oval Office on January 20, 2025, a move that could be more complicated if such a project exists. already