Staten Island Politicians, Civic Groups Applaud President Trump: Congestion Pricing Approval Rescinded – UPDATED
Staten Island Politicians Applaud President Trump: Congestion Pricing US-DOT Approval Rescinded
Editor’s note: Staten Islander News has reported on this issue several times in the past, including the recent activation of congestion pricing, the community pushback from the North Shore Alliance, and the unwillingness of judges to issue injunctions for both the Staten Island court case and the New Jersey case.
Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo on the Termination of NYC’s Congestion Pricing Plan
A Statement by Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R,C-Staten Island)
“Today is a victory for Staten Islanders, New York’s businesses, and everyone who believes in common sense over government greed. President Trump promised to end New York City’s disastrous congestion pricing scam, and he has delivered. Staten Islanders led this fight, and I want to extend my gratitude to Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis for her unwavering dedication to righting the wrongs of Albany Democrats. Her relentless advocacy and conversations with President Trump were instrumental in bringing this issue to the forefront and ensuring the outcome we have today.
“We can breathe a sigh of relief knowing we will not be forced to pay yet another unfair tax to an unaccountable agency just to drive within our own city. Congestion Pricing was never about easing congestion but was always about filling the MTA’s bottomless pit of mismanagement. The people of New York deserve better, and thanks to President Trump, we’re one step closer to making New York great again. To all who fought with us to stop this highway robbery, thank you.”
Staten Island, NY – Borough President Vito Fossella issued the following statement regarding the withdrawal of the US Department of Transportation’s approval of the Congestion Pricing Program:
“We emphatically thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for withdrawing the federal Department of Transportation’s approval of the Congestion Pricing program. It was always a three-strike loser and a nonstarter for Staten Island – more traffic, more air pollution and more tolls. The program was revived unceremoniously, at a politically opportune time for political reasons. To bring an end to the program is the right thing not just for Staten Island but for the City as a whole. The MTA should follow this action by turning off the toll readers and relieving Staten Island residents from this unnecessary and burdensome tax once and for all.”
Malliotakis Applauds President Trump for Halting NYC Congestion Pricing Scheme
(NEW YORK, NY) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today released the following statement regarding President Trump’s actions to halt New York City’s Congestion Pricing scheme:
“We thank President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy for keeping their promise to examine and halt New York City’s Congestion Pricing scheme. As I’ve said from the beginning and reaffirmed in our lawsuit, this congestion tax was approved by the Biden Administration in violation of federal law, as the proper environmental studies required under the National Environmental Policy Act were never conducted.
“President Trump is a New Yorker who understands the negative impact this additional toll had on my constituents, local businesses and our city’s economy. Since I began speaking about the congestion tax with the President last May, he repeatedly reiterated his commitment to halt this cash grab upon taking office and we’re pleased that he has found a legal avenue to follow through. Today’s actions are a victory for hardworking, taxpaying commuters who have been unfairly burdened by this toll and we will continue to fight against such policies that treat New Yorkers like bottomless ATMs.”
Response to the End of NYC’s Congestion Pricing Plan by Mario Buonviaggio (Vice – Chair)
While we agree that improving transportation for commuters—especially in the Port Richmond and North Shore communities—is necessary, this pricing system was never the solution.
In just two days, we received numerous complaints about overcrowded buses, late arrivals at ferry terminals, and no noticeable increase in bus service. It became clear that this was nothing more than a tax on the working-class communities we represent, including essential first responders. The MTA and the NYS Governor failed to consider the residents who rely on these services—many of whom are caregivers, nurses, police officers, and firefighters working outside the traditional 9-to-5 schedule.
Staten Island’s transportation system is decades behind in keeping up with demand. If the MTA had actually listened to the concerns of our community, a better, more effective plan could have been developed. Instead, they sought more money for an agency already plagued by reckless spending, with no real accountability or improvement in service.
Ending this plan was the right decision. Now, let’s focus on real solutions that actually benefit commuters.
PORT RICHMOND NORTH SHORE ALLIANCE
Banner Image: Pedestrians at Roosevelt Avenue and Main Street, Flushing, Queens. Image Credit – NYC DOT
Staten Islander News Service Staff Writer
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