1 day ago
Trump halts NYC's $9 congestion pricing, calling himself "The King." Governor Hochul condemns the move, citing a 9% traffic drop. Critics argue the toll hurts workers, while supporters cite traffic and environmental benefits.
Donald Trump (Picture source: X/@WhiteHouse )
UPDATED: Feb 20, 2025 22:05 IST
President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered an end to New York City's congestion pricing system, which charges cats entering certain parts of Manhattan.
Trump was proud of his decision. The US President wrote on his social media app, Truth Social that he "saved" New York. He went as far as proclaiming himself as the "King."
"CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!" He wrote on Truth Social.
The White House posted his message on its X account with an interesting picture. Trump was shown wearing a crown in front of the New York skyline, with the words "Long Live the King." The top of the picture reads "TRUMP," similar to the cover of a magazine.
New York governor hits back at ‘King’ Trump
New York Governor Kathy Hochul was furious over the Trump administration's decision. She held a press conference-cum-rally at the iconic Grand Central Station to voice her disapproval. "The bear has been provoked," she told reporters.
She took a printout of the 'King' image posted by the White House, asserting that the city has not bowed to a king for a quarter of a millennium. "New York hasn't labored under a king in over 250 years, and we sure as hell are not going to start now," she said.
“This is an attack on our sovereign identity, our independence from Washington. We are a nation of states. This is what we fought for," Hochul added.
The Governor highlighted that the program had led to a 9% drop in traffic. Reports of traffic incidents have fallen to half of pre-congestion levels.
i'm a republican who voted trump, but no one man is a king. that's the ideals of our nation, no kings. — Dan Henfox (@DanHenTRUTHFOX) February 19, 2025
What is congestion pricing?
Congestion pricing is a surcharge imposed on drivers entering high-traffic areas during peak hours. It encourages commuters to opt for public transport instead.
The New York City program charges a $9 toll to drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak hours. Drivers would need to pay $9 for entering the area between 5 and 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. This was implemented on January 5 this year.
The famous Trump Tower penthouse in Manhattan fell within the toll zone, along with other properties owned by the U.S. President.
New York aimed to use the collected tolls to issue bonds for funding the city's infrastructure. The city needs to improve and repair its transit system, which serves around 4 million commuters daily.
Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Feb 20, 2025
