New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and a coalition of transit advocates took to the streets recently to defend congestion pricing against President Donald Trump’s attacks.
Trump has recently inserted himself into New York City politics, calling congestion pricing a “total disgrace” and accusing Governor Kathy Hochul of supporting what he claims is an unfair tax on working-class drivers.
With Hochul in Washington, D.C., over the weekend, Lander and the transit advocacy group Micromobility NYC led a strong defense of the policy, organizing a demonstration that began at the Times Square Red Steps and concluded at Union Square Park. They affirmed congestion pricing’s role in reducing traffic, improving public transit, and cutting emissions.
The demonstration saw activists, transit advocates, and local residents marching for over an hour, partially shutting down key thoroughfares. Among them was Alex Duncan (who goes by Miser), founder of the Micromobility NYC subreddit, which has 25,000 members. Duncan, who helped organize the demonstration, stressed that congestion pricing benefits all New Yorkers.
“Oh, it’s great for the city — faster bus speeds, lower traffic, more pedestrians, less noise, better quality of life,” Duncan said. “It’s wonderful for the city and improves things for everyone here, including drivers.”
Despite the cold and windy weather, demonstrators remained resolute, chanting “Safe streets now!” while highlighting the positive impacts of congestion pricing — from faster buses and reduced traffic to cleaner air and safer streets for cyclists and pedestrians.
Speaking before the march at the Times Square Red Steps, Lander condemned Trump’s intervention, calling it a political stunt designed to energize Trump’s base at the expense of New York’s infrastructure.
Duncan was particularly vocal about the attacks on the policy, calling them dangerous political interference. “Well, it’s an attack on America,” he said. “It’s an attack on our sovereignty as a state and a city, and it’s pretty despicable, so that’s why we’re out here today.”
The demonstration had overwhelming support, with only one counterprotester attempting to disrupt it. The individual, wearing a beanie with the Puerto Rican flag and carrying a “Make America Great Again” flag, repeatedly shouted at Lander as he walked, but the comptroller paid little attention and continued marching with the crowd.
Lander also reaffirmed the legality of congestion pricing, dismissing Trump’s claims that he could eliminate the policy. “We’re going to win in court because all the rules were followed,” he stated, referring to the federal government’s environmental assessment and approval process.
The march culminated in Union Square Park, where advocates and city officials, such as community board members from outer boroughs, celebrated congestion pricing’s success in reducing congestion, improving transit times, and generating revenue for the MTA.
Also among the demonstrators was Christopher Sanders, a software engineer and former Harlem resident, who said congestion pricing has alleviated the city’s traffic problems. “It was getting crazy. It was too much,’ Sanders said. “Now, traffic is moving better, and it just makes sense to keep it. The bus is a lot faster, so that’s a good thing … I think they should keep it.”
Despite Trump’s claims that congestion pricing harms small businesses, Sanders argued that economic data elsewhere suggests otherwise. A POLITICO report noted that New York’s congestion pricing was expected to generate $1 billion annually, which would be leveraged into $15 billion in municipal bonds to fund critical upgrades to the city’s transit infrastructure.
I just received $6618 working off my Iaptop this month. And if you think that’s cool, my divorced friend has twin toddlers and made 0ver $15781 her first m0nth. It feels so good making so much money when other people have to work for so much less.
This is what I do……. findcash7.ltdⓄ
please don’t copy”Ⓞ” In Url Thanks