Trump says he intends to 'kill' NYC congestion pricing, calls it ‘destructive to New York’
Trump says he intends to 'kill' congestion pricing
President Donald Trump is determined to get rid of congestion pricing. FOX 5 NY's Hayley Fixler reports how Trump plans on doing it.
NEW YORK CITY - President Donald Trump said he intends to "kill" congestion pricing in New York City.
Trump says it's hurting businesses, but that isn't the only change he wants to see in New York.
Will Trump "kill" congestion pricing?
What they're saying:
Trump reportedly said that if he ends up killing congestion pricing, he will do it in D.C. through the Federal Department of Transportation.
He continues to call these $9 tolls to get into the Central Business District "destructive to New York."
Has Trump talked to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul?
What we know:
Trump did have phone calls recently with Gov. Kathy Hochul.
However, Trump told the New York Post that he is hopeful the ongoing conversations between the two will lead to a mutually beneficial plan.
What we don't know:
We don't know what exactly Hochul and Trump have discussed.
What's next:
The New York Post reported that Trump also plans to get rid of the bike lanes, saying they are one of the biggest contributing factors to traffic and congestion.
He said the growing number of e-bikes are dangerous for pedestrians who get hit by the bikes.
Has NYC congestion pricing worked?
Big picture view:
Since the toll went into effect in January, the MTA has reported an increase in ridership on the subways, buses and rail system.
The MTA also says there's been a decrease in travel time for buses and commuters who still opt to drive, but Trump believes the tolls are hurting businesses.
Has NYC congestion pricing worked? MTA releases dramatic new traffic volume numbers
Quicker trips, fewer traffic jams, and shifts in commuting patterns are becoming more apparent. Here's what MTA officials are saying since congestion pricing has been implemented:
Trump told the Post, the fact that traffic is down is a "bad thing, because people aren't coming into Manhattan and aren't spending their money here."
Trump also says city leaders should focus more on the safety and cleanliness of the subway, citing recent violent events including shoving, stabbings, and a woman who was killed after being lit on fire in a train car.
What is congestion pricing?
Dig deeper:
Congestion pricing is an electronic tolling system that charges vehicles for entering Manhattan's Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) — the area below 60th Street, excluding certain highways like the FDR Drive and West Side Highway. The program aims to:
- Reduce gridlock in Manhattan's busiest areas.
- Encourage public transit use.
- Fund approximately $15 billion in transit infrastructure improvements.
This map shows the proposed zone for New York City congestion pricing.
The Source: This article uses information from the New York Post and previous reporting from FOX 5 NY.