Nassau County New York Executive Bruce Blakeman makes an announcement regarding his executive order banning transgender girls and women from competing in women's sports in county facilities in Mineola, New York, U.S., March 18, 2024. REUTERS/Adam Gray
(New York, New York) – Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman says New York’s congestion pricing program would be eliminated immediately if he is elected governor this fall.
“Congestion pricing would be gone on the first day,” Blakeman said, making the controversial tolling system a central issue in the 2026 race.
The program, which charges drivers a fee to enter Manhattan below 60th Street, was implemented to reduce traffic and raise revenue for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Supporters argue it is easing gridlock and funding long-overdue transit upgrades.
Blakeman and other critics, however, say it unfairly targets suburban commuters and small business owners who rely on driving into the city.
Trump: “It’s Got to Be Ended, IMMEDIATELY!”
President Donald Trump, a native New Yorker, reignited the debate this week, blasting the toll program on Truth Social.
“Congestion Pricing in Manhattan is a DISASTER for New York. It’s got to be ended, IMMEDIATELY! It’s never worked before, and it will never work now,” Trump wrote Monday evening.
“I love New York, and hate to see it being destroyed so rapidly with such obviously foolish ‘policy.’ Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.
Trump has previously declared the policy “dead,” writing last February:
“CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
Hochul’s Office Fires Back
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s press office responded sharply on social media, posting a GIF from “SpongeBob SquarePants” with the caption:
“THE CAMERAS ARE STAYING ON!!!”
The exchange underscores how congestion pricing has become one of the most politically charged issues in New York, drawing sharp divides between Republicans and Democrats, city and suburban leaders, and commuters and transit advocates.
With Blakeman promising swift action and Trump amplifying opposition, congestion pricing is shaping up to be a defining battle in the governor’s race.
