The Trump administration has vowed to kill congestion pricing in New York City. Now officials have taken the unusual step of making a man-on-the-street video to demonstrate what they say is public opposition to the program.
Sean Duffy, the transportation secretary, posted the 26-second video on X on Friday. It starts with a question onscreen: “What do NYC workers think about congestion pricing?”
The video then features five men against a backdrop of New York street life who say that the tolling plan is “destroying the city,” “very bad for business” and “definitely borderline stealing.”
The video concludes with a chorus of the men saying, “End it.”
Mr. Duffy’s video had racked up more than 237,000 views as of Monday afternoon.
But supporters of the tolling program, which charges most drivers $9 a day to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak traffic hours, criticized the clip.
“Reality television isn’t real life, and the secretary’s video is out of touch with how New Yorkers move,” said Danny Pearlstein, a spokesman for Riders Alliance, an advocacy group of transit riders that supports congestion pricing.
The video was a new skirmish in the debate over the program, which started on Jan. 5 and aims to reduce traffic, improve air quality and help raise revenue for crucial transit repairs and upgrades.
Congestion pricing has been deeply unpopular in the boroughs and suburbs outside Manhattan, with many opponents, including Republican leaders, saying that it punishes drivers who have limited and unreliable transit options and that it simply shifts traffic and pollution to other areas.
But the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has pointed out that of the 1.5 million people who work in the tolling zone, about 85 percent take mass transit. Only 11 percent drive — about 143,000 drivers before congestion pricing was put in place.
The program was approved in 2019 by state lawmakers and was authorized by the Biden administration shortly before President Trump took office.
Last month, Mr. Duffy wrote in a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, that federal transportation officials were moving to end the tolling program. Mr. Duffy cited the cost to working-class motorists and the use of revenue from the tolls for transit upgrades rather than roads.
These officials have ordered New York to stop charging the tolls by March 21.
The M.T.A., which manages the tolls, has filed a lawsuit challenging the federal action in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan. The authority has vowed to keep collecting the tolls unless a federal judge instructs it otherwise.
Ms. Hochul, M.T.A. leaders and supporters of congestion pricing have repeatedly highlighted its early successes. It has already helped reduce traffic and commute times on crowded roads, and it’s on track to hit its goal of raising $15 billion in transit funding.
In response to the video, Sam Spokony, a spokesman for Ms. Hochul, referred to Mr. Duffy’s background as a star in his 20s on the reality TV show “Road Rules: All Stars.”
“Sean Duffy’s professional experience in transportation came from driving a Winnebago on a reality TV show in the late 90s,” Mr. Spokony said. “He should know that reducing traffic is good for business! The bottom line on congestion pricing is that traffic is down, business is up and the program is delivering results for New Yorkers.”
Ms. Hochul recently met with Mr. Trump to share other benefits that she attributed to the tolling plan, including rising attendance at Broadway shows, more foot traffic for businesses and an increase in commercial office leasing.
Federal transportation officials did not respond to a request for comment on Monday.
In posting the video, Mr. Duffy wrote on X that hard-working New Yorkers were angry “about being charged $9 to use their own streets.” We prioritize the security and privacy of our players, using advanced encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information. https://ku88.pro/mobile
“Don’t take it from me, listen to what the people have to say about New York’s congestion pricing cash grab,” he continued. “End the disconnect. End congestion pricing. Now.”