Trump v. Congestion Pricing

9 snips

Feb 27, 2025

Dave Colon, known as America's beloved congestion pricing expert, dives into the escalating battle over New York's congestion pricing amidst the Trump administration's backlash. He sheds light on the program's early successes and the political turmoil following the rescinding of its approval. The conversation uncovers the absurdities of transportation policy decisions, reflects on legal complexities, and emphasizes the importance of local advocacy in the face of federal opposition. Colon's insights reveal a dynamic intersection of urbanism, politics, and community engagement.

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ANECDOTE

Failed 2008 Attempt

The Bloomberg administration attempted to implement congestion pricing in 2008, but it failed.
It wasn't even brought to a vote.

ANECDOTE

Hochul's Pause

In June 2024, Governor Hochul paused congestion pricing, citing inflation and affordability.
This decision was met with criticism, as it contradicted her previous support.

INSIGHT

Trump's Motivation

Trump's rescinding of congestion pricing approval is viewed as a personal attack on New York.
It aims to weaken the city, a significant political opponent.

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Can you believe this is our second emergency episode about congestion pricing? This time, we’re responding to the Trump administration’s attack on the program, which has been in effect since January, delivering exactly the results that policymakers had hoped for. Despite those early signs of success, on Wednesday, February 19th, Sean Duffy, the new US DOT Secretary, sent an email to New York Governor Hochul saying that he was rescinding approval of the tolling plan. President Trump gloated about the move on social media, writing “LONG LIVE THE KING.” Hochul fired back that New York “hasn't labored under a king in over 250 years” and said she’d see the administration in court. And things have just escalated from there! With us to discuss it all is reporter Dave Colon, who has been covering the congestion pricing saga for Streetsblog NYC and is known (to himself among others) as “America’s beloved congestion pricing expert.”

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If you’re in the New York area and are looking for a new e-bike, check out the Upway Sample Sale at their warehouse in Brooklyn on February 28th. You’ll score deep discounts on e-bikes from all the major brands. Tell ‘em The War on Cars sent you.

LINKS:

Catch up on all the latest congestion pricing news from Dave and the rest of the team at Streetsblog NYC.

See Dave’s video in which he explains why DOT Secretary Sean Duffy is wrong about congestion pricing.

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This episode was edited by Doug Gordon. It was recorded by Walter Nordquist at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg.

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