Judge Issues Split Ruling on NY Toll Program

Manhattan’s toll program is expected to proceed as planned Jan. 5 after a recent ruling by a judge. 

The Dec. 30 ruling from the U.S. District Court of New Jersey threw out nearly all of the claims in the lawsuit filed by New Jersey against the program.  

The only claim left intact was the issue of why the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provided “differing levels of mitigation commitments for the Bronx as compared to potentially significantly affected areas in New Jersey and the ultimate mitigation determination.” FHWA has until Jan. 17 to give a further explanation. 

Both sides claimed victory from the judge’s decision, with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stating, “the program will move forward this weekend with a 40 percent reduction in the originally proposed cost of the toll.” 

However, Randy Mastro, the attorney representing New Jersey in the case, said that due to the claim needed further explanation, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority “therefore cannot proceed with implementing the current congestion pricing proposal on January 5, 2025.” 

Under the plan, tolls will apply to all trucks entering Manhattan below 60th Street starting at midnight on Jan. 5, with small trucks paying $14.40 and large trucks paying $21.60 during the day. At night, the tolls would be 75 percent discounted, meaning $3.60 for small trucks and $5.40 for large trucks.