• A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's effort to end New York City's congestion pricing.
• The judge ruled that New York "would suffer irreparable harm" without the restraining order.
• The congestion pricing program charges motorists $9 to enter Lower Manhattan during peak hours.
• The program aims to reduce traffic and raise funds for public transit improvement.
• The judge's order remains effective until June 9, allowing the program to continue.

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration's attempts to eliminate New York City's congestion pricing program, a tolling initiative charging motorists to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. Judge Lewis Liman stated that without this order, New York would "suffer irreparable harm," ensuring the program's continuation at least until June 9. This decision provides a critical reprieve for the congestion pricing, the first of its kind in the nation, which has been under threat since federal authorities ordered its shutdown earlier this year, according to The New York Times and The Hill and ABC News.

The congestion pricing program, which started on January 5, imposes a $9 toll during peak hours and has garnered both praise and criticism. Proponents argue it will alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution, while opponents raise concerns over costs to commuters. The legal battle began after the Trump administration sought to revoke federal approval of the program, which was initially approved by the Biden administration and faced significant pushback from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), according to The Hill and ABC News.

Governor Kathy Hochul heralded the judge's ruling as a significant victory for New York, asserting that it protects the state's right to manage its traffic and environmental concerns. The MTA has projected that congestion pricing could generate $500 million in net revenue by the end of the year, emphasizing its importance for financing vital transit improvements. This revenue depends heavily on the continuation of the tolling program, which is seen as integral to addressing long-standing issues of congestion and public transportation funding, as noted by ABC News.