Federal Judge Upholds NYC Congestion Pricing, Truck Tolls Remain

Key Details A federal judge ruled March 3 that New York City's congestion pricing program can continue, rejecting the Trump administration's attempt to shut it down. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman found that the transportation secretary's actions were arbitrary and capricious, lacking legal authority to revoke approval after the program had been authorized. Why It Matters The ruling keeps tolls in place for commercial vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. Trucks face significantly higher charges than passenger cars, adding to delivery costs in the nation's largest freight market. Trucking groups note that fleets already pay multiple bridge and tunnel tolls when entering the city. Program Background Launched in January 2025, congestion pricing charges vehicles entering Manhattan's central zone, with passenger cars paying roughly $9 during peak hours. The program aims to reduce traffic, pollution, and congestion while generating revenue for transit improvements. What's Next The Trump administration could appeal the ruling or pursue other legal options. Multiple lawsuits challenging the program remain in court, including cases from the Trucking Association of New York focused on environmental reviews and toll structures. The court decision only addressed the government's authority to withdraw approval, not the cost structure itself.