Let’s be clear—congestion pricing isn’t some radical, out-of-nowhere idea. It’s already happening all over the U.S., just under different names because apparently, Americans can’t handle the truth unless it’s wrapped in a euphemism.
While New York City is about to be the first U.S. city to implement true congestion pricing (charging drivers to enter a specific area), let’s not pretend this is some dystopian nightmare.
Many states and cities already use systems that function exactly the same way—charging drivers to access certain roads, highways, or lanes to keep traffic moving. But sure, let’s clutch our pearls because New York is doing it.
Here’s a quick tour of places that already use congestion-style pricing (but don’t call it that because, you know, branding):
1. High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes & Express Lanes
These are the fancy lanes where you can pay to avoid the peasants stuck in traffic. Sound familiar? It’s congestion pricing with a side of elitism.
- California:
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have express lanes on highways like I-10, I-110, and SR-91. The Bay Area even charges dynamic tolls—meaning the price goes up when traffic is bad. But no, that’s not congestion pricing. That’s just… innovation. - Virginia & Maryland (D.C. Metro Area):
I-495, I-95, and I-66 Express Lanes use dynamic tolling (aka congestion pricing) to keep traffic moving. Maryland is even expanding these lanes into Baltimore. But sure, New York is the problem. - Texas:
Dallas, Houston, and Austin have toll-managed lanes on highways like I-10 and I-35. Pay to play, baby. - Minnesota:
The Minneapolis-St. Paul region has MnPASS lanes, where solo drivers can pay to use carpool lanes. But no, that’s totally different. Totally.
2. Toll Roads & Cordon Pricing Studies
Because why call it congestion pricing when you can just slap a toll on it and call it a day?
- California (San Francisco):
San Francisco has studied cordon pricing (charging to enter the city) just like New York’s system. But hey, that’s progressive. - Washington State (Seattle):
Seattle has toll bridges like the SR-520 floating bridge, which use variable pricing (aka congestion pricing) based on traffic. They’ve also considered downtown congestion pricing. But no, that’s fine because it’s not New York. - Chicago:
Chicago’s Skyway and toll roads function like congestion pricing—pay for a faster route. But sure, that’s just… infrastructure. - Florida:
Miami, Orlando, and Tampa have express toll lanes on highways like I-95 and I-595. But no, that’s just sunshine and convenience.
The Logic Is the Same
If you don’t need to drive in a high-traffic area, there’s a financial incentive to use public transit or alternative routes. If you must drive, you can pay for faster, less congested roads. It’s not rocket science—it’s common sense.
But sure, let’s act like New York invented the wheel and set it on fire.
Why Is New York’s Congestion Pricing Such a Big Deal?
Because Trump wants it to be. That’s it. That’s the tweet.
New York is holding Trump accountable for his fraud, his criminal cases, and his general clownery. So, naturally, he’s decided to make congestion pricing his latest villain. It’s not about policy—it’s about revenge.
He’s throwing a tantrum because New York dared to enforce the law, and now he’s using his platform to manipulate public opinion. Classic Trump. 
Congestion Pricing: A Necessary Solution for New York
Let’s break it down for the folks in the back:
- It Prevents Gridlock & Keeps the City Moving
Manhattan is a nightmare of congestion. Congestion pricing discourages unnecessary car trips, so the roads stay clear for people who actually need to be there. - It Ensures Emergency Vehicles Can Get Through
Traffic delays are life-threatening when ambulances and fire trucks can’t move. Congestion pricing keeps roads clear for emergencies. - It Helps People Who Actually Need to Drive
Most Manhattan workers don’t drive—they take public transit. Reducing traffic benefits delivery workers, service providers, and those with disabilities. - Taking a Slightly Longer Route Isn’t a Big Deal
If avoiding the congestion zone means safer, faster travel for everyone, a few extra blocks is a small price to pay. - It Funds Public Transit & City Improvements
The revenue from congestion pricing goes right back into the transit system, making subways, buses, and bike lanes more reliable.
Trump’s Real Motive: Revenge, Not Policy
Let’s not kid ourselves. Trump’s opposition to congestion pricing has nothing to do with protecting drivers. It’s about revenge. New York is holding him accountable for his crimes, and he’s lashing out like a toddler who got his toy taken away.
- His fraud trial, criminal cases, and legal troubles all stem from New York.
- He’s publicly vowed revenge against his enemies, and congestion pricing is just another excuse to attack the state.
- His recent “Long live the king” remark isn’t a joke—it’s a warning. He sees himself as above the law and is willing to sabotage policies that don’t personally serve him.
The Bottom Line
Congestion pricing is about efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
It’s not a political weapon—it’s a solution that benefits everyone. But Trump doesn’t care about solutions. He cares about revenge.
New York isn’t the first place to implement a system like this—states across the U.S. already use toll lanes and expressways to manage traffic.
Yet Trump has fixated on this policy, not because of its impact on drivers, but because it gives him another excuse to attack the state that’s holding him accountable.
Instead of leading, he’s lashing out. Instead of solutions, he’s obsessed with settling scores. And instead of helping, he’s hurting the very people he claims to care about.
New York deserves real leadership, real solutions, and a city that works for everyone—not one man’s personal vendetta against the law. But hey, enjoy your red wave, your tariffs, your traffic, and your $12 eggs.
You wanted it. You got it. FAFO.
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