The three assistant U.S. Attorneys in Manhattan wrote that Duffy’s current argument to shut down the tolls isn’t likely to hold up in court. The program was approved under former President Joe Biden through a U.S. DOT pilot program – the Value Pricing Pilot Program – that allows local governments to impose tolls on federally-funded roads. Duffy has argued he has the authority to rescind that approval, but the government attorneys were skeptical.
“It is unlikely that Judge Liman or further courts of review will accept the argument that [congestion pricing] was not a statutorily authorized ‘value pricing’ pilot” by the federal government, the letter states.
The letter advises U.S. DOT officials to instead argue they’re revoking approval for the tolls through Office of Management and Budget regulations, which could allow for such a move “as a matter of changed agency priorities.” Still, the letter notes that argument isn’t airtight because the DOT did not give the MTA any money to launch congestion pricing.
After the document leakage has occurred, the Feds realize that their plan has “a few holes” and will likely have a hard time in court. It’s almost as if the plan is just a political move with no factual basis. These clowns very likely just killed any actual traction their scheme had with this and that’s absolutely amazing.
New data from congestion pricing tolls used in court documents shows that Cross-Bronx Expressway traffic is down. Clearly, the whole idea that traffic will increase elsewhere isn’t entirely true.
The best part is that it is hindering attempts to widen that toad as well. Less traffic means no need to widen the road to “fix” it. Congestion Pricing keeps bringing big wins for NYC.
Also, car crash amounts are down. Less drivers means safer streets for pedestrians and people who choose to drive.
Another deadline comes and goes… and the cameras stay on and city projects remain federally funded. The Trump admin is all bark and no bite.
However, some sources say that on May 28th the consequences will set in. Lets see what happens. Considering their track record of empty threats, I have low expectations for anything to happen.
