The court has issued a ruling in the congestion pricing lawsuit, impacting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) plans. The decision stems from litigation initiated by New Jersey, resulting in a remand that prevents the MTA from implementing its current congestion pricing proposal on January 5, 2025.
According to Randy Mastro, Attorney for the State of New Jersey, "The judge determined that the Federal Highway Administration acted arbitrarily and capriciously in approving the MTA’s plan." He added that "the FHWA's decision provided no rational explanation of mitigation commitments," noting significant changes in New York's tolling scheme post-federal approval. More consideration is required before moving forward with the proposal.
New Jersey maintains strong opposition to enforcing this congestion pricing plan during the concluding weeks of President Biden's administration. Mastro emphasized, "There could not be a worse time to impose a new $9 toll, escalating over time to $15, on individuals who are traveling into downtown Manhattan for work, school, or leisure."
