Congestion pricing: Judge grants temporary restraining order blocking federal government action
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The MTA went to court to stop the Transportation Department from withholding federal money while the state challenges its order to stop collecting revenue from congestion pricing.
A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order, blocking the federal government from taking retaliatory action against the state.
The restraining order was granted based on the likelihood of success by the plaintiffs and the irreparable harm that would be inflicted.
The state blew through another federal deadline on May 21, ordering the MTA to cease congestion pricing.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened to withhold federal approvals or funds for other transportation initiatives in the state if the program does not stop.
In its latest filing, the Transportation Department told Judge Lewis Liman there is no need for a preliminary injunction, as the administration hasn't decided what measures it will take against the MTA's "scattershot claims."
The administration has "the authority to terminate the agreement based on changed agency priorities," Duffy said in his most recent filing.
The MTA said it had reached an impasse with the federal government over the $9 toll that most drivers have paid since Jan. 5 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street.
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