On Tuesday, March 2, U.S. District Judge Lewis Linman struck down a reversal of approval for New York City’s new traffic congestion toll. Linman sided with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in their 149-page ruling, arguing that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s decision to unilaterally rescind the congestion toll was an “abuse of discretion.”
Although somewhat divisive, the congestion toll, which is roughly nine dollars (depending on vehicle and time of day), MTA says, has brought it $550 million in revenue, reducing air pollution in Manhattan by 22%, and decreased commute times for those opting to pay the toll. Manhattan has seen 27 million lesser vehicles in the year since the toll took effect, which is a win according to the MTA.
