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MTA boss trolls Trump on midterm losses, upcoming congestion-pricing hike
MTA chair Janno Lieber said he hopes the Trump administration will stop targeting New York after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the midterms. The administration has sought to end New York City’s congestion-pricing scheme, threatening to withdraw more than $18 billion in federal infrastructure funding if it remained in place.
Lieber said the MTA would stick to the approved toll schedule: the peak-hour charge is due to rise from $9 to $12 in 2028 and $15 in 2031. A federal judge ruled in March that the administration’s attempt to end the scheme was unlawful. Lieber also criticised tariffs on rail and bus components, saying they could cost New York taxpayers $1 billion, and praised Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer for their understanding of public transport.
In short
- Lieber hopes Trump will stop targeting New York.
- Congestion tolls are set to rise to $15 by 2031.
- Lieber says tariffs could cost taxpayers $1 billion.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of congestion pricing can argue that it helps manage traffic, supports public transport and provides a predictable source of funding for infrastructure. Keeping the approved increases on schedule may protect those benefits and give the MTA certainty to plan, while resisting federal pressure respects the court’s ruling and New York’s authority over local transport.
The case against
Critics can argue that higher tolls add to the cost of travel for drivers, including people with limited alternatives, and that the MTA should reconsider increases if they impose an unfair burden. They may also contend that federal funding and trade policy affect taxpayers nationwide, so the administration has a legitimate interest in how transport schemes are run and how public money is spent.