Congestion pricing’s fate hinges on talks between President Donald Trump and Gov. Kathy Hochul. And Trump being Trump, he wants to make a deal: One option would walk back the controversial Manhattan toll program while providing “major investments” for New York City infrastructure, a person familiar with the ongoing discussions told Playbook Sunday. Trump also sees other transit issues in the city like bike lanes, e-bikes and parking “as all part of the problem and solution,” the person said. “He’s giving her an out,” added the source, who was granted anonymity to discuss the internal dynamics. “She should take it.” The Democratic governor has spoken with the Republican president several times in recent weeks about the tolls, which are meant to raise $1 billion to bond for $15 billion — money to fix the region’s dilapidated mass transit infrastructure. Trump told The New York Post’s Miranda Devine the $9 tolls have been “destructive” for the city — but signaled he wants to keep talking. “I think it’s really horrible, but I want to discuss it with her at this point,” he said to the conservative-friendly paper. “If I decide to do it, I will be able to kill it off in Washington through the Department of Transportation.” The White House did not return a message seeking comment on Sunday. Hochul’s office in response Sunday did not deny Trump was willing to strike a deal on the tolls, which have become political fodder for the governor’s likely 2026 opponents. “Governor Hochul has had several productive calls with President Trump and is happy to talk with anyone, anytime about how this program is benefitting New Yorkers and the entire region,” spokesperson Avi Small said. “Congestion pricing continues to operate in New York City, reducing traffic and improving commutes, and we will continue our ongoing discussions with federal officials.” The long-sought toll program was put in place on Jan. 5. Officials, including Hochul, have said early signs show traffic has dropped and mass transit ridership is up — supporting the intended consequences of congestion pricing. But Hochul is also aware of the fraught politics. She paused the program last June over concerns it would hurt swing seat Democrats in crucial House races, before moving to revive the program and reducing the toll from $15 to $9 right after Election Day. The mercurial president — a native New Yorker who remains attuned to the blue state — could change his mind and conclude it’s in his interest to have the tolls killed sans a deal with Hochul. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber has framed a pro-business argument for the pro-business president: Boosting mass transit helps move workers into office buildings, like the ones Trump’s company owns in Manhattan, and there would be “national consequences” to pulling federal approval. Lieber last week expressed optimism, telling reporters in Albany: “I’m confident she is making the case effectively, however, she’s doing it, that congestion pricing is a net benefit,” he said. — Nick Reisman IT’S MONDAY. Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman.
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