Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne
Sends letter to President Trump on January 21, 2025 asking for federal intervention
Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne has taken a strong stand against the recently implemented congestion pricing tax in New York City, addressing the issue directly to President Donald J. Trump in a formal letter sent on January 21, 2025. The letter highlights the detrimental impact of this policy on commuters, businesses, and residents across Putnam County and beyond, while urging the newly inaugurated Trump Administration to take swift action to eliminate it.
The Central Business District Tolling Program, commonly known as congestion pricing, went into effect earlier this month, imposing costly new tolls on drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Byrne’s letter to President Trump outlines the financial strain the tax places on hardworking commuters, noting that it could cost drivers an additional $3,000 to $4,000 annually.
“This congestion tax is not only misguided and unpopular, but it’s also an unfair burden on our residents, many of whom are already struggling with some of the highest taxes in the country,” said County Executive Byrne. “As a commuter county, Putnam’s residents depend on affordable access to New York City for their livelihoods. This policy punishes those who live outside the city and does little to address the inefficiencies and mismanagement at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).”
In addition to advocating for federal intervention, Byrne shared that he as County Executive submitted an amicus brief to support Rockland County’s action challenging the legality of congestion pricing. The lawsuit argues that the tolling program imposes an undue burden on suburban and rural communities without addressing the root causes of the MTA’s financial inefficiencies. New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy has taken separate legal action and wrote to President Trump seeking intervention from the federal government earlier this week, as well.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors who are harmed by this unjust and punitive policy,” said Byrne. “It’s clear that this tax is a cash grab designed to bail out the MTA at the expense of working families, and we will not stand for it.”
Byrne’s letter to President Trump also outlines several recommendations for the federal government, including revisiting the environmental review process, withholding federal grants to the MTA until the tax is repealed, and conducting a forensic audit of the agency’s finances. Byrne highlighted the need for accountability and transparency at the MTA, noting a 2023 report that identified $700 million in lost revenue due to fare evasion.
Legislator Bill Gouldman, who has also been vocal in his opposition to congestion pricing, echoed Byrne’s concerns. “The MTA needs to focus on solving its financial inefficiencies rather than taxing commuters to make up for its failures,” said Gouldman. “I stand with County Executive Byrne in calling for action to reverse this unjust ta
“We are committed to protecting our residents and ensuring that their voices are heard,” Byrne added. “I am confident that with President Trump’s leadership and the strength of our coalition, we can reverse this damaging tax and focus on real solutions that benefit all New Yorkers.”
