• A US judge temporarily blocks Trump's plan to cut federal funding for NYC's congestion pricing.
• The ruling allows the congestion pricing program to proceed until at least June 9.
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul calls the decision a massive victory for state autonomy.
• The congestion pricing initiative aims to reduce traffic and generate funds for public transit improvements.
• Federal approval for the program was previously rescinded by the Trump administration in February.

A U.S. District Judge, Lewis Liman, has issued a temporary order preventing the U.S. Department of Transportation from withholding federal funding as the Trump administration attempts to eliminate New York City's congestion pricing program. This initiative, launched earlier this year, imposes a toll on most vehicles entering Manhattan during peak times, aimed at reducing traffic and generating revenue for public transit improvements, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

This ruling comes amid threats from the Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, who indicated the federal government may stop funding approvals for crucial state projects unless New York abandoned the congestion pricing scheme. Judge Liman's order allows the program to continue running at least until June 9 while litigation proceeds between state officials and the Trump administration, according to TRT World and Al Jazeera.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the decision as a substantial win for commuters, asserting the state's right to manage its traffic issues without federal coercion. Hochul emphasized, "Congestion pricing is legal, it’s working and we’re keeping the cameras on," underscoring the local government's commitment to transit improvement despite federal resistance, as reported by Reuters, Al Jazeera, and TRT World.

As the congestion pricing scheme continues operating, it has already shown effectiveness in reducing traffic levels and increasing public transit usage. Reports indicate a significant drop in traffic volume and improvements in subway and bus ridership, indicating the program's potential success despite federal opposition. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority expects the initiative to generate substantial revenue for future transit projects, according to Al Jazeera and TRT World.