Feds Tell NYC To End Congestion Pricing By March 21

NEW YORK CITY — The Federal Highway Administration and the Trump administration have ordered New York City to end congestion pricing by March 21, according to a recent letter.

The Federal Highway Administration said the MTA should stop collecting tolls by that date to allow for an "orderly cessation,"according to multiple media reports.

"We have said that you may have asked for orderly cessation, which was the phrase that came in the letter to us. I will propose something in the alternative -- orderly resistance," Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Wednesday.

The MTA has filed papers in federal court to ensure that the program will continue.

"It’s mystifying that after four years and 4,000 pages of federally-supervised environmental review – and barely three months after giving final approval to the Congestion Relief Program – USDOT would seek to totally reverse course," MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said following the Feb. 20th letter from the Dept. of Transportation.

New York officials have said the cameras would remain on.

Beginning on Jan. 5, congestion pricing imposed a $9 charge on drivers to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street.

The purpose of the plan is to reduce gridlock in Manhattan's busiest areas and encourage public transit use, officials said.

The plan was expected to generate more than $15 billion for public transportation upgrades in New York City, the MTA said.

The MTA collected over $48 million in tolls paid during the first month of congestion pricing, Patch previously reported.