Federal Inaction Delays Congestion Pricing by at Least a Year in New York City

Bad news for one of the most innovative transportation planning schemes in the country, with long-term impacts on planning and construction in New York City.

1 minute read

July 15, 2020, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


New York City Traffic Cop

Robi Jaffrey / Shutterstock

Clayton Guse reports: "The MTA’s plan to implement congestion pricing and tax cars in the busiest parts of Manhattan will be delayed by 'roughly a year' thanks to holdups by the Trump Administration, the agency’s chief development officer Janno Lieber said Monday."

"The new tolls were slated to go into effect at the start of 2021 — but the feds have since slow-walked an approval process and declined to tell Metropolitan Transportation Authority leaders what kind of environmental review process is needed to give the program the green light," adds Guse. 

Lieber's statement on the subject confirms earlier reports about federal delays and the likely delay caused by Covid-19. The congestion pricing scheme for manhattan is a key funding source in the MTA's capital investment plan, contributing an expected $15 billion toward the $51 billion in spending included in the plan.


Monday, July 13, 2020 in New York Daily News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog