Working-class New Yorkers finally caught a break this week, thanks to the Trump administration’s decision to axe New York City’s deeply unpopular congestion pricing scheme. The move delivers much-needed relief to everyday citizens who have been bearing the brunt of Democrats’ reckless taxation policies.
The congestion toll, championed by New York’s far-left leaders and backed by Governor Kathy Hochul, hit blue-collar workers the hardest — charging drivers up to $27 just to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. For hardworking folks commuting to their jobs, it was another blow amid soaring inflation and high living costs.
“I’m ecstatic,” said Paul Belli, a Brooklyn plumber. “Nobody needs this. Everyone’s already dealing with high inflation.” Belli, whose work requires hauling equipment across job sites, revealed he’s spent thousands on the toll in just six weeks. He’s now relieved he won’t have to pass those costs onto customers. “Everyone’s been hurting through this whole thing,” he added.
The Trump administration’s Department of Transportation put working people first by revoking federal approval of the program, which had been touted as a traffic reducer but functioned more like a money grab for the MTA. The transit agency, unsurprisingly, is fighting to keep the toll alive — proving once again that New York’s bureaucracy is more interested in lining its pockets than helping its people.
“This was nothing but a cash cow for the MTA,” said Larry Zogby, a small business owner from Queens. “We can’t keep pushing the burden onto small businesses.” Zogby, who has fought against the congestion pricing scheme for three years, described the fee as “ridiculous,” especially for those just trying to make an honest living.
Many workers pointed out the stark reality: for them, public transportation isn’t a viable option. Paul Caminiti, a Staten Island teacher, said his round-trip commute would balloon to three hours if forced onto buses. Driving gets him to work in less than half the time — but until now, that came with a hefty price tag. “It’s absurd that we have to pay just to go to work,” Caminiti said.
The congestion tax hit everyday professionals the hardest. Allison Rivera, a Manhattan medical office worker, was shelling out $45 a week just to get to her job. “Finally,” she said. “It was so unfair.”
Even those who didn’t vote for Trump acknowledged the former president is delivering where local Democrats have failed. “I didn’t vote for Trump, but he’s doing more for New Yorkers than our governor,” said Ricky Stevens, a deli worker. “Isn’t that sad?”
Public servants were among the most affected. Police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel — already overworked and underappreciated — were forced to pay just to report for duty. Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, welcomed the end of what he called a “punishing tax.” “Police officers shouldn’t have to dig deeper into their pockets to protect this city,” Hendry stated. “We’re losing talented officers because of policies like this. Enough is enough.”
The congestion pricing scheme, signed into law in 2019, was yet another example of out-of-touch politicians in Albany pushing their agenda at the expense of ordinary citizens. Governor Hochul and the MTA framed the toll as a way to fund transit improvements, but New Yorkers know better — this was just another tax, and it disproportionately hit those who can least afford it.
While the MTA scrambles to sue and keep its cash grab alive, everyday New Yorkers are celebrating. The message from the people is clear: enough with the constant nickel-and-diming.
President Trump’s decision to stand up for working Americans, even in deep-blue New York, is a reminder that common-sense leadership still matters. At a time when many politicians are happy to tax hardworking people into the ground, Trump is giving them something they desperately need: a little breathing room.
