The plan to charge motorists driving into parts of Manhattan is being challenged in multiple courts.
A series of legal challenges could derail New York City’s long-awaited congestion pricing plan, which is scheduled to begin on January 5, report Chris Dolmetsch and Michelle Kaske in Bloomberg CityLab.
According to CityLab, “On Friday in Manhattan, US District Judge Lewis J. Liman heard requests from plaintiffs in four different lawsuits to put the program on hold while the litigation proceeds. Liman didn’t immediately rule, but indicated he’s aware of the time constraints and will decide as soon as possible.” Other judges are issuing decisions that allege the plan will unfairly force people with limited public transit options to avoid driving and that it unfairly targets New Jersey residents.
“The MTA will need to seek new funding if congestion pricing fails to take effect. The transit provider plans to issue $15 billion of bonds secured by the new toll revenue to pay for extending the Second Avenue subway to Harlem, updating train signals and adding elevators to stations.”
Read the full story: New York’s Congestion Pricing Plan Still Faces Legal Hurdles
Judge Rules to Keep NYC Congestion Pricing, Ending Trump's Legal Challenge
The decision likely deals a fatal blow to efforts to end the program, but the Trump administration says it will explore other avenues for reversing the congestion pricing scheme.
NYC Congestion Pricing: Still Working
10 million fewer vehicles entered the congestion pricing zone in the first six months of the program than last year, while pedestrian fatalities are at ‘historic lows.’
Judge Extends NYC Congestion Pricing Through at Least June 9
A federal judge halted the Trump administration’s effort to kill the program, which remains in limbo as a lawsuit filed by the MTA moves forward.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago Avenue bridge construction delays enrages city leaders
The bridge has been closed since 2025. The city originally aimed to re-open it in December, and now expects to finish construction in 2027.
NYC bus network redesign speeds up Queens buses
Rush routes have seen a 4.6% speed increase after the redesign.
California High-Speed Rail Authority picks trainset manufacturer
The California High-Speed Rail Authority aims to start servicing passengers by 2033.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority