New York Truckers Sue MTA Over Manhattan Congestion Pricing

The Trucking Association of New York has filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York State in Manhattan federal court. The lawsuit challenges a tolling program set to charge drivers entering Manhattan’s central business district. The trucking industry argues that they cannot benefit from off-peak toll discounts due to client demands during the day.

Nighttime Toll Discounts and Industry Challenges

The MTA approved a pricing structure in March, with a start date of June 30. This structure includes toll discounts of up to 75% for vehicles entering the zone between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. However, truckers claim that nighttime deliveries are impractical for vendors without night shifts to receive shipments.

Industry Concerns and Lack of Concessions

Kendra Hems, president of the Trucking Association, criticized the MTA’s policy for ignoring industry warnings and targeting trucks and logistics companies unfairly. She emphasized that the lawsuit was a necessary step after the MTA refused to make concessions and used truckers to meet funding goals.

Impact on Small Trucking Companies

Smaller trucking companies are particularly affected by the $24 to $36 daily fee for their vehicle class entering Manhattan below 60th Street, compared to the $15 fee for cars. One business owner estimated an annual cost of $400,000 to $500,000 for his company’s trips below 60th Street.

Previous Legal Challenges to Congestion Pricing

This lawsuit is part of ongoing efforts to delay or stop the congestion pricing toll, which has been in development since 2017. In April, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy sued the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, arguing that New Jersey would suffer from toll-avoiding motorists.

Environmental Concerns and Additional Lawsuits

In January, the United Federation of Teachers and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella sued the U.S. DOT and the MTA, citing increased air pollution in other city areas, especially near public schools. They demanded an environmental review of the plan. The MTA countered that a 500-page environmental impact study, approved by the federal government in June 2023, rendered further review unnecessary.