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Federal Judge Rules NYC $9 Toll Removal Unlawful

8/18/2026

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Story summary
  • NYC Health Department said the $9 toll launched in January 2025 did not improve air quality.
  • Traffic fell 11% after the toll, with E-ZPass drivers paying $9 and others paying 50% more.
  • Gov. Kathy Hochul called the toll a success for gridlock, while President Donald Trump and Sec. Sean Duffy opposed it.
  • A March 2026 federal judge ruled withdrawing toll approval unlawful, saying critics view it as mainly filling the city’s budget.