Trump v. Congestion Pricing

Trump v. Congestion Pricing

Author: The War on Cars, LLC February 27, 2025 Duration: 1:04:12

Can you believe this is our second emergency episode about congestion pricing? This time, we're responding to the Trump administration's attack on the program, which has been in effect since January, delivering exactly the results that policymakers had hoped for. Despite those early signs of success, on Wednesday, February 19th, Sean Duffy, the new US DOT Secretary, sent an email to New York Governor Hochul saying that he was rescinding approval of the tolling plan. President Trump gloated about the move on social media, writing "LONG LIVE THE KING." Hochul fired back that New York "hasn't labored under a king in over 250 years" and said she'd see the administration in court. And things have just escalated from there! With us to discuss it all is reporter Dave Colon, who has been covering the congestion pricing saga for Streetsblog NYC and is known (to himself among others) as "America's beloved congestion pricing expert."

*** Support The War on Cars on Patreon and receive exclusive access to ad-free versions of regular episodes, Patreon-only bonus content, invitations to live events, merch discounts and free stickers! ***

If you're in the New York area and are looking for a new e-bike, check out the Upway Sample Sale at their warehouse in Brooklyn on February 28th. You'll score deep discounts on e-bikes from all the major brands. Tell 'em The War on Cars sent you.

LINKS:

Catch up on all the latest congestion pricing news from Dave and the rest of the team at Streetsblog NYC.

See Dave's video in which he explains why DOT Secretary Sean Duffy is wrong about congestion pricing. 

Pick up official podcast merch in our store. Purchase books from podcast guests and support independent booksellers at our official Bookshop.org page.

This episode was edited by Doug Gordon. It was recorded by Walter Nordquist at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg. 

TheWarOnCars.org

 


Imagine a world not built around traffic jams and parking lots, but shaped for people. The War on Cars is a dispatch from the front lines of that effort, a collective conversation questioning the automobile’s dominance over our cities, our environment, and our daily lives. Each episode digs into the real-world fight to reclaim public space, examining everything from the politics of a new bike lane to the history of how cars came to rule. You’ll hear from urban planners, activists, historians, and ordinary people pushing back, offering a mix of sharp analysis, on-the-ground reporting, and compelling narratives. This isn’t just about transportation; it’s about the culture and societal choices that have led us here, and the tangible, often inspiring work to create safer, quieter, and more connected communities. Tune in for a thoughtful and necessary critique of the status quo, a podcast dedicated to the idea that our streets can-and should-be for so much more.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The War on Cars
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