New York implements congestion charge despite Trump's opposition

Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul announced in November that motorists entering Manhattan Island south of Central Park would pay $9 during the day.

This project, a real red herring in local political life, is intended to reduce air pollution while financing the metro, criticized for its cost ($2,90 per trip) and its dilapidated state.

Its implementation, two weeks before the inauguration of Donald Trump, is not insignificant because the project needs the approval of the American presidency.

However, while the Biden administration has said it is in favor, the future president had expressed his "strong opposition" to the urban toll which "will hurt workers, families and businesses."

Kathy Hochul wanted to cut the grass under the Republican's feet to prevent him from vetoing it.

But the dispute promises to continue fiercely in the weeks and months to come.

Neighboring New York cities are up in arms against the toll, arguing that it will harm their businesses and the ability of their residents to get to work in Manhattan.

A judge rejected a last-minute appeal Friday by officials in neighboring New Jersey who said the project would have adverse environmental impacts on adjacent areas.

Taxi drivers' associations have also expressed their opposition, as their customers now have to pay a surcharge for the affected trips.

Nearly 700.000 vehicles travel every day, at an average of 11 km/h, in the zone affected by this tax, from 60th Street towards the south of Manhattan, in a constant din of horns and sirens from police, firefighters and ambulances.

There are, however, many exemptions from the toll, as well as a reduction for low-wage earners or for motorists who enter the zone more than ten times a month.

Major European cities, such as London and Milan, have already implemented such projects.