Putnam County executive asks Trump to end congestion pricing

A county executive in the Hudson Valley is asking President Donald Trump to put an end to congestion pricing.

Melanie Palmer

Jan 30, 2025, 3:23 AM

Updated 13 hr ago

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A county executive in the Hudson Valley is asking President Donald Trump to put an end to congestion pricing.
Driving into Manhattan from Putnam County is part of Fredy's job.
He has to do it about two to three times a week.
However, he says getting into the city to make money, is costing him too much of it.
"It adds up," says Fredy who lives in Putnam County.
He's not the only one with those concerns over congestion pricing.
"I think it's ridiculous, I think it's a money grab," says Mahopac resident Joe Streppone.
That's why Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne is trying to put an end to it.
He's hoping this letter he sent to President Trump will help.
"To that end, the Trump Administration has an opportunity like no other to eliminate a disastrous policy imposed on the residents of Putnam County and thousands of other hardworking commuters across the tri-state area," the letter reads in part.
It also offers ideas on possible ways to end the program.
"We want to make sure this continues to be a priority and they can reverse this tax," Byrne tells News 12.
Byrne says there are a lot of commuters in the county he serves.
"We have a lot of those middle class families that call Putnam County their home because they are eligible to work in New York City, particularly in the public sector," Byrne explains.
There's also major businesses in the area that he says are being impacted.
However, officials with the MTA say congestion pricing is working as planned.
New data released Wednesday afternoon shows one million fewer cars have entered the congestion zone since the program started in early January.
Regardless, drivers in Putnam County tell News 12 things are adding up quickly.
"I think it's a lot of money, plus you got to pay for parking," says Kenneth who lives in Putnam Lake.