Donald Trump has stated his intention to terminate New York’s congestion pricing program if elected for a second term, leading to concerns about the program’s fate. Governor Kathy Hochul has paused the program, but with lawsuits challenging the pause, there is uncertainty about its future.
To prevent a potential Trump administration from axing the program, experts suggest starting it before January 20, making it harder for the administration to undo it. However, significant changes to the program would require legislative approval, which may not happen quickly when legislators return from recess in January.
Failure to implement congestion pricing could leave the MTA short of over $16 billion for transit improvements and negate the promised reductions in traffic and greenhouse gas emissions. The Governor has not provided details on how she plans to fund the MTA in the absence of congestion pricing.
If a second Trump administration comes into play, there are three potential ways he could kill the program, including refusing to sign necessary documents, demanding a more detailed environmental study, and switching sides in a lawsuit seeking to delay the program.
Hochul’s office has not offered a clear strategy to counteract potential actions by a Trump administration, leaving many uncertainties around the fate of New York’s congestion pricing program. Legislative approval and implementation before January 20 seem to be crucial steps to safeguard the program against possible setbacks.
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