The ongoing battle over New York's congestion pricing program has reached a new level of intensity.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is standing firm against a federal directive that demands the state turn off its congestion pricing cameras.

The federal government has given the state a 30-day deadline to halt the operation of the cameras, but the governor insists this will not happen.

Gov. Hochul emphasized the success of the program, citing data that shows a reduction in traffic in Manhattan’s Central Business District by 11%. She also pointed to a significant uptick in Broadway attendance, which has risen nearly 20% since congestion pricing was implemented.

"The cameras are staying on," Hochul declared defiantly.

Despite the governor's resolve, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the federal government could withhold billions of dollars in funding from New York if the state refuses to comply.

Writing on social media platform X, Duffy stated, "Know that the billions of dollars the federal government sends to New York are not a blank check. Continued noncompliance will not be taken lightly."

In addition to the positive effects on traffic and business, the governor also highlighted increased ridership on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) since congestion pricing went into effect.

However, riders' opinions on the controversial toll were mixed. Some, like Judy Birnbaum, expressed support for the program, saying,

“I think it is working because there’s less congestion in the city, and we need the money to improve mass transit," says Birnbaum.

Others, like Stefan Popowicz, felt differently.

"Ridership definitely is up, but as far as congestion pricing, it hurts business in my opinion," says Popowicz.