Federal Judge Rules Manhattan's Congestion Pricing Can Continue

Trump administration's attempt to revoke approval for the program was deemed unlawful

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A federal judge has ruled that Manhattan's congestion pricing program can continue, handing a victory to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The judge said the Trump administration's attempt to revoke approval for the program was unlawful, calling it "arbitrary and capricious decision-making." The congestion pricing program went into effect last year in an effort to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours and raise funds for the city's public transit system.

Why it matters

The congestion pricing program is the first of its kind in the nation, and its continuation is seen as a significant development in efforts to address traffic congestion and fund public transportation in major cities. The ruling also sets a precedent for how federal and local governments can work together on such initiatives.

The details

Under the congestion pricing program, passenger vehicles are charged $9 to access Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. The extra per-ride surcharge is 75 cents for taxis and black car services, and $1.50 for Ubers and Lyfts. During peak hours, small trucks and charter buses will be charged $14.40, while large trucks and tour buses must pay $21.60. The program applies for Manhattan south of 60th Street, except for the FDR Drive, the West Side Highway and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel.

  • The congestion pricing program went into effect last year.
  • The Trump administration moved to reverse approval of the program last year.

The players

Judge Lewis Liman

The federal judge who ruled that Manhattan's congestion pricing program can continue.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The agency that oversees the congestion pricing program in Manhattan.

Trump administration

The previous federal administration that attempted to revoke approval for the congestion pricing program.

Sean Duffy

The former Transportation Secretary who said the "scope of this pilot project as approved exceeds the authority authorized by Congress" under the Federal Highway Administration's Value Pricing Pilot Program.

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What they’re saying

“It is difficult to imagine more arbitrary and capricious decision-making than that at issue here.”

— Judge Lewis Liman (wbal.com)

“The [Value Pricing Pilot Program] was passed by Congress. The [Traffic Mobility Act] was passed by democratically elected legislators and signed by a Governor elected by the people of New York. The [Value Pricing Pilot Program] Agreement was authorized by a Secretary nominated by a duly elected President and confirmed by the Senate. The democratic process worked.”

— Judge Lewis Liman (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Trump administration is free to continue to make public statements and ask the Secretary of Transportation to look into whether there are lawful means to end the Central Business District Tolling Program, and the Secretary has the right to continue to fight the case and take an appeal of the court's orders.

The takeaway

The ruling on Manhattan's congestion pricing program is a significant victory for local efforts to address traffic congestion and fund public transportation, setting a precedent for how federal and local governments can work together on such initiatives. The program's continuation demonstrates the power of the democratic process in shaping transportation policy.